tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81367906256903706092024-03-06T06:21:32.905-08:00Maryland State of MindCharleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-50897784198136815502024-03-05T10:12:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:21:01.044-08:00Baltimore Mayoral DebateBaltiore, MD - Here are some of the observations from the Baltimore Mayor Debate at the Roland Park Presbyterian Church. It is clear that having a smaller debate works. Despite a number of other candidates in the audience, these are ones which have a likelihood to win.
It’s obvious the audience is looking for more, they made it apparent with “cat-calls” for and against candidates.
The “kid-gloves” came off early. Here are some of the more eye-raising quotes.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSt98Oijaadg548SY2h6Itagk1XELql0UD0YagZBtKnZfZb8Z63D_dlcH6Js64gPraS96oKcDzySLL6Ai4jgam6WAjT-NGfuxV8xn7n7E_LJefTW7jOCW5AVuqOQXIBpOenhB2xXhxycRoJVjwsTsYDOANVsxYZ9n-i_1JWZJqhbsaSwswFDZfdUjBswS/s4032/20240304_183317.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSt98Oijaadg548SY2h6Itagk1XELql0UD0YagZBtKnZfZb8Z63D_dlcH6Js64gPraS96oKcDzySLL6Ai4jgam6WAjT-NGfuxV8xn7n7E_LJefTW7jOCW5AVuqOQXIBpOenhB2xXhxycRoJVjwsTsYDOANVsxYZ9n-i_1JWZJqhbsaSwswFDZfdUjBswS/s320/20240304_183317.jpg"/></a></div>
Bob Wallace – “Believe your eyes, leadership is the problem.”
Shelia Dixon – “People are afraid to come out of their homes.” “We’re one the dirtiest in America.”
Brandon Scott – “The numbers don’t lie (regarding the murder rate).”
Thru Vignarajah – “She’s got to go (BCPS Superintendent).” “I will stop the creation of the new Harborplace.”
The questions from the audience shed light on what the electorate was thinking. Wallace was asked about his political affiliation. “You were a Republican, then an Independent, and now a Democrat?” Wallace was quick to acknowledge his affiliations but used a Presidential quote from John F. Kennedy.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewULva5nR39x7c2iy7oRj82gWmktXOB78R4QkotmDZc-pi17bYgIhlRQ2uo32I51oq65NwhXG0ZgKUi_zvK-ezZQqcXP6NEHk9BCmxun3mzSu4UXxpmdQobXej_VYK38aSGYsCMlkPiighu0lDPVfi6cOAmIJCvwUGKaP1JSLx9napb5a_nPULCwqJ1eV/s4032/20240304_190758.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewULva5nR39x7c2iy7oRj82gWmktXOB78R4QkotmDZc-pi17bYgIhlRQ2uo32I51oq65NwhXG0ZgKUi_zvK-ezZQqcXP6NEHk9BCmxun3mzSu4UXxpmdQobXej_VYK38aSGYsCMlkPiighu0lDPVfi6cOAmIJCvwUGKaP1JSLx9napb5a_nPULCwqJ1eV/s320/20240304_190758.jpg"/></a></div>Vignarajah was hit with a question about how he treated staff. “I don’t think I can answer that question in 45 seconds.
It’s clear incumbency at all levels of government are being questioned and it just isn’t about Baltimore. A crowded field has normally favored those who are in power. This is different. I don’t think this race has been decided and there will be twist and turns. “Throw the bums out” is real in a divided electorate.
Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-78670812539792848072023-07-10T08:30:00.016-07:002023-07-10T08:55:42.037-07:00US Senate Race in Maryland: Will Jawando<p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjrYK5aq1y5Xo6Hzj8nQ1--G2gfTYx7D2JIvxqe52iKTPZMCGbUv-bf8HGBveBr6JN5JJkW7zFIpH-ZvolIK1aF11XQjS9KM0lNQ3tdHeJ3LZjS2cBdNXihhwokO2TQ8BhkJnJ3dlKjYo4G_MhEqSmWShQ9hik5pk0kvalv7waGV8wsU1bze7JYCmS_AM/s4032/20230708_111642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjrYK5aq1y5Xo6Hzj8nQ1--G2gfTYx7D2JIvxqe52iKTPZMCGbUv-bf8HGBveBr6JN5JJkW7zFIpH-ZvolIK1aF11XQjS9KM0lNQ3tdHeJ3LZjS2cBdNXihhwokO2TQ8BhkJnJ3dlKjYo4G_MhEqSmWShQ9hik5pk0kvalv7waGV8wsU1bze7JYCmS_AM/s320/20230708_111642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><br />(Baltimore, MD) Before arriving at a forum, featuring a
Democratic Candidate for United States Senate, Will Jawando from Montgomery
County, I see a note announcing Representative Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County
will not seek the seat vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s a big day for us. A lot of his voters were my voters.”
A number of voters were hesitant to support Jawando. This is not uncommon,
especially because it’s early, and those who are eligible to vote don’t know
much about the race, “We’re kinda waiting to see what Jamie’s gonna do.” Things
have changed since his exit.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“When I leave here, I’m going to be calling them all day.”
For the Montgomery Council Member, he now needs those who were on the fence to
make a decision, “So here we are.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several things come into play with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congressman Raskin not in the race. With his
absence,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candidate Jawando hopes to see
more money come into the race. In a pronouncement that will not shock anyone,
“I’m the only bold progressive candidate in this race.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0EjZHE9hNKsfbDrfAMtAKeD_r_VtWoMeQ95kKywus4gdiuK42Ww7SeoLmAPiF_xKAYqoUk2rLpWd4wqUynvT85PGkizM8pTPz7mYo_7OKk-vjI7BUn0oR1aJOToDjSP1di_oh0gV3ZYPbdW8ash8MW0wlsjn3uPxtGIOWjM14PAEneXAl8cN1dS8_uYn/s4032/20230708_111636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0EjZHE9hNKsfbDrfAMtAKeD_r_VtWoMeQ95kKywus4gdiuK42Ww7SeoLmAPiF_xKAYqoUk2rLpWd4wqUynvT85PGkizM8pTPz7mYo_7OKk-vjI7BUn0oR1aJOToDjSP1di_oh0gV3ZYPbdW8ash8MW0wlsjn3uPxtGIOWjM14PAEneXAl8cN1dS8_uYn/s320/20230708_111636.jpg" width="320" /></a>“As you know, I use to work in the Obama Administration,”
the Democratic proudly proclaims. He isn’t the only person who worked for the 44<sup>th</sup>
President. During Governor Wes Moore’s primary run there were at least four
people who boasted claims to working with the former President. Let me tell you
how that worked out, none them bested the eventually nominee. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What this tells me is you have to have a track record which sews
together the state’s Democratic Party constituents. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From Montgomery there are a mixture of old residents (who
are dyed in the wool Democrats – think – those living in Leisure Village). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is also an energic Jewish community with ties to
former jobs in the federal government. They extend from inside the Beltway along
the I-270 corridor, stretching from Rockville to Olney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The toughest electorate to peg are those in the Potomac
region, commonly known as Mac-Mansionville. They can fund a campaign and give
you entry into wealth. How do I know? A number of families have hosted
fund-raisers in their homes for President Joe Biden.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">People have made fortunes in Montgomery County speculating
on land, construction, and development. They are the drivers of campaign funds
in suburban Washington, D.C. They are unabashed in their desire to keep funds
following from the County, State and the Federal Government.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The newest player, ethnic minorities from Latin America, India,
Pakistan, Africa (Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrean etc.…) and Mediterranean
Countries. They are unique. Most are first generation arrivals who are
self-made. They thrive in the tech areas. Some have advanced degrees and came
into their own in the last ten years. You will pass them on the Metro and think
nothing of them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UEyBMFI6jf_jtUeAUak30IG3T8DQqpyrtHEmI26cyj7cGNvRHhq08LfT2sdtcE2PtCNYZhAclXi89UleM7n-_FsRlS_5y4a4XVYY7Y5oMdHieiT4GoXgT1YtWFtIm5ReMcyZDLM0-vCWqXhudhk1uNePZZeGmwfXjE81VFDRz2-fvPGk-Bf1HKbqr9m2/s4032/20230708_115155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UEyBMFI6jf_jtUeAUak30IG3T8DQqpyrtHEmI26cyj7cGNvRHhq08LfT2sdtcE2PtCNYZhAclXi89UleM7n-_FsRlS_5y4a4XVYY7Y5oMdHieiT4GoXgT1YtWFtIm5ReMcyZDLM0-vCWqXhudhk1uNePZZeGmwfXjE81VFDRz2-fvPGk-Bf1HKbqr9m2/s320/20230708_115155.jpg" width="320" /></a>“I am the only candidate in this race who has garnered the
most votes (than my rivals),” says Jawando. The claim was made before a group
of Black Baltimore men on a Saturday morning at the Next Phaze Café, a Black
owned establishment. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“This race is going to be won in the Baltimore region (city
and county),” says the candidate. The thirty men assembled nod in approval.
“You know we’ve heard this before from candidates,” says Michael Johnson, the
host of “Straight No Chaser” on WBFF Fox 45. “We see funds flowing from the federal
government, but they never reach us,” as he host chides the presenter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<p class="MsoNormal">“Look, as a Senator I can make sure federal funds get to
communities. I can’t tell someone like the Mayor how to spend those dollars…but
I can look over their shoulder to ask how they are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being allocated.” A politically sophisticated
way to placate those who are looking for answers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fifth year Montgomery County Councilman lays out what
he’s done. “Guaranteed income for those who qualify…creating the largest summer
jobs program…and putting a cap on rents.” The last one he says has lost him
some developer support. “But I still talk to them.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is much support from this group about his proposal to
term limit Justices of the Supreme Court and consideration of expanding the number
of members on highest court in the land. When it comes to reparations, he says
he is not opposed to the idea on the federal level. He points out what’s going
on in California. “Here, I’m planning to introduce a reparations study in
Montgomery County.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Juggernaut<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Juwando, who is biracial faces long odds with Congressman
David Throne and Princess George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the
race. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Congressman Trone who has financed his own two congressional
runs was the first up with campaign ads. It was introduction of sorts touting
what he did to help a relative who was addicted to drugs. “I want to do the
same thing for Baltimore,” was the tag line. Noting, the Baltimore Metro Area
is where this race is likely to be decided. He’s already sunk more than a
million dollars in ads.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">County Executive Alsobrooks, the soft but steady hand
leading Prince George’s County is in a unique position. The former Prosecutor
turned County Executive easily cruised to re-election. On election night in
Baltimore, I did ask her if she would run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland.
“Charles, I just won re-election!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fast-forward, here she is with her “hat in the ring.” If
elected she would become only the third woman (Sen. Barbara Milkuski and Representative
Connie Morella) to serve in the Maryland Congressional Delegation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Democrat women will tell you they have delivered for the
party, but there has been little reciprocation from the electorate to put them
in statewide office on either side of the aisle. The why is a lot more
complicated than it would seem from the outside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first is fundraising. A U.S. Senate race is likely to
cost more than 10 million dollars. If you don’t have that kind of personal
wealth, then you have to find causes which will net you dollars. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Alsobrooks, she comes at a time when the state’s
Governor Wes Moore, literally, owes her for support. Prince Georges County rang
up the most votes for Governor Moore. Alsobrooks also served on his transition
team. In politics, this is called payback. I think in the primary, I expect the
Governor to open his rolodex and suggest she call a number of his “special
friends.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alsobrooks is likely to get looks from national
organizations with ties to women’s issues such as Planned Parenthood, NOW, and
Moms Demand Action, just to name a few. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the last two Maryland U.S. Senate races, women who have
“thrown the hat in the ring” have not done well. The most recent is former
Congresswomen Donna Edwards. Congresswoman Edwards kept being sullied by a
rumor she had supported groups who were against Israel. It doomed any chance she
could succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a sense in the electorate that “we want someone
like ‘Sen. Milkuski.’” Her brashness endeared her to a generation of women who
had to “kick-down” doors just to be heard. Is County Executive Alsobrooks up to
a similar task?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is way too early to speculate. I will watch as these
candidates hone their message.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m still waiting to see who will jump into the race on the
Republican side.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">CFR3</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-60755087512562157942023-01-26T13:31:00.007-08:002023-01-26T14:03:24.498-08:00Context, Time and Place<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JFTJosneIknv4bvJ9EQaNRQ_Y6WwPg1ErsA7ILSD7kiOBeOGlSIVKTa2BX6y1UaHHo2roL7STkh26iulrKnmRqu-i37p31iy3k3kNv-BFPyVlEvx87sN9ACpHg0OdDlsCTTWxKi4VEO3yWo3BArsDuLeRs_0gVb6FWMO8amfUXP6ts7qZ8FK9VGu8Q/s4032/20230117_144924.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JFTJosneIknv4bvJ9EQaNRQ_Y6WwPg1ErsA7ILSD7kiOBeOGlSIVKTa2BX6y1UaHHo2roL7STkh26iulrKnmRqu-i37p31iy3k3kNv-BFPyVlEvx87sN9ACpHg0OdDlsCTTWxKi4VEO3yWo3BArsDuLeRs_0gVb6FWMO8amfUXP6ts7qZ8FK9VGu8Q/w200-h150/20230117_144924.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> (Annapolis, MD) The inauguration of the first African-American Governor of
Maryland, Wes Moore, is the culmination of struggle, desires and purpose. I
watched with anticipation as he put his hand on a Bible, once the possession of
Frederick Douglass and another which his grandfather, a pastor, used. This was
deliberate. Governor Moore has never shied away from his religious convictions,
nor has he shied away from the historical moment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5OOJ--zPVB21km4Ho7gzKkyJzEJzmde0IEULAV6VslL39mwxnY9d67m78QZPdoYyZOug4Zc9e2ulK9gd1SGwqJfyryJffmKqKtQvHK3-lajtqffXp6BhBJbGDjrkqAhwKUomM4AMdbIs3xCy7r5ZFqaGpZDYM1WZyAI64jfeH1xF7OrukXcCCHcXJw/s820/Swearing%20In.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="820" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5OOJ--zPVB21km4Ho7gzKkyJzEJzmde0IEULAV6VslL39mwxnY9d67m78QZPdoYyZOug4Zc9e2ulK9gd1SGwqJfyryJffmKqKtQvHK3-lajtqffXp6BhBJbGDjrkqAhwKUomM4AMdbIs3xCy7r5ZFqaGpZDYM1WZyAI64jfeH1xF7OrukXcCCHcXJw/s320/Swearing%20In.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How do you challenge yourself to remember the past, but chart the
future? It isn’t easy. Some would like this only Black governor to keep, “the
past in the past.” This is not in his nature. I witnessed it personally. Make
no mistake this is not his make-up. The Governor gets his energy from looking
to future. He warned during his inaugural speech, “there will be naysayers.”
Beating back those who doubt his authenticity underestimate his resolve.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a lot symbolism with context, timing, and place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Context</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a painting which shows the second Lord Baltimore
with a map of Maryland and a nephew who he assumed would lead the state. In the
dark recesses of the painting is an enslaved young man (a man servant) holding
a rooster. It says a lot that a painter would include this. As the Governor
begins the process of taking office he walks pass the painting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Timing<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Walking down Main Street with his family to the City Docks
must have seemed surreal. There is a monument dedicated to Alex Haley, the
author of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Roots</b>. It is here where
Haley chronicled his relative, “Kunte Kinte.” The timing spoke to the hundreds
of enslaved people who were marched through Annapolis, who were sent to Landowners/Planters
in the new world, and never knew what it meant to be free.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Place<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a town near where Harriet Tubman and Frederick
Douglass were enslaved. It’s on Maryland’s eastern shore it’s called
Unionville. It was created by slaves who joined the Union army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Southern sympathizers” never imagined these
former enslaved people would take up arms to fight against the Confederacy. It
was a sore spot for those who lost in the Civil War. At the church in
Unionville, there is a cemetery where these soldiers are buried. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite being free, the county seat placed a statue of a confederate
soldier on the courthouse steps. It was done intentionally, they
wanted to send a message. It was a part of a time called the “Lost Cause.”
Unionville and those souls buried are restless. They would never see nor dream
of a day when there would be a Black Governor. In this place, time waited and
served notice their cause was not in vein.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Context<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 upon meeting Harriet
Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, said, <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">she was "the little woman who wrote the book
that started this great war (Civil War)." I know neither Lincoln nor Stowe
would have envisioned a Black man would lead Maryland.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Timing</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It may be convenient to find fault in policy changes.
Former Governor Larry Hogan provided some advice to the incoming
administration. Hogan said it would be “a mistake” for the legislature to
“recklessly spend down the surplus” and undermine Maryland’s “strong fiscal
position.” It seems “rich” to make pronouncements and be taken seriously. FYI,
the 2024 Budget proposed by the new Governor like previous Governors funds the
things they championed (Schools and Transportation). Governor Moore stuck with
a similar plan to add 10% of the budget coffers to “The Rainy-Day Fund.” Business
as usual is flipped.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Place</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Annapolis will become a focal point in the state. Each
move by the new governor will be scrutinized. When you cover politics there are
no straight lines. The thing I will watch is how the Moore administration manages
the missteps and recovers. This administration will find it’s “sea legs” as
they navigate waters. There are no favorites, despite suggestions to the
contrary. Holding an administration accountable is what I have always done. My
tough questions should not be construed as “hate-in” on the Governor.
Accountability.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0Annapolis, MD, USA38.9784453 -76.492182910.668211463821152 -111.6484329 67.288679136178843 -41.3359329tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-26930881493184996952023-01-03T19:54:00.004-08:002023-01-04T07:01:07.605-08:00First Black Attorney General of Maryland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsEZkOZT2uESI97BJJyaISt2A1wc9wdgY_XtdEtdC8AwZm3P4nFo0YBVZqyPvqNMRiWY17qjqdk11_8cMfFrlIuD9btPZ9Xz2mb8V8mdc_Dt6qsTlDLhdV3DP1beMkxLTLBiIjpd1R57hQzUnR_PaSaDyDqGcz4dUzTWo9Exjy2shxmelCFo7ZSRPJQ/s4032/20230103_123745.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsEZkOZT2uESI97BJJyaISt2A1wc9wdgY_XtdEtdC8AwZm3P4nFo0YBVZqyPvqNMRiWY17qjqdk11_8cMfFrlIuD9btPZ9Xz2mb8V8mdc_Dt6qsTlDLhdV3DP1beMkxLTLBiIjpd1R57hQzUnR_PaSaDyDqGcz4dUzTWo9Exjy2shxmelCFo7ZSRPJQ/s320/20230103_123745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(Annapolis, MD) Maryland has had a difficult time in rectifying
its brutal history with slavery, civil rights and school desegregation. Those
images are now relics of the pass as Attorney General Anthony G. Brown was sworn-in
as the 47<sup>th</sup> Attorney General. The historic moment came in the House
of Delegates Chambers. The presiding officer is the first American-American
Woman, Speaker Adrienne Jones,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A who’s in Maryland Politics was on hand. It included a
number of past Attorney Generals, Legislative Leaders and a sage of Maryland
Politics Professor Larry Gibson.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Attorney General Brown served in the House of Delegates
before being picked by Governor Martin O’Malley tapped him to become his Lieutenant
Governor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Administering the oath was Governor Larry Hogan. Governor
Hogan defeated Brown in his attempt to become Governor. In remarks A.G. Brown “I
told ‘Larry’ you’re the reason why I am here.” </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzp7R34p6fqWQWkafKVmAeokZEqeQEQBC0zZN0KeKUkgAgtTgT4SpnxcYLTQpHNkS_rbTiXhgdmmgGdE3-ejw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTxu-Xrk28Jt4iHlyOn_b6TY7fy0eKiEM8XERhZS7qx0dPybLuZmpxMcdpkMynnWLtQDmEB6bQlY6tSrhPLXS2duT6VwHPKOssVINi1jMkZh5SrxALh10trTfzVUQltw8OU-LcrW9VUWToado8378lKT-fiW3Xx3tG2Oqd4DsIVq1ayKHtLoYQ8GN_w/s4032/20230103_122947.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTxu-Xrk28Jt4iHlyOn_b6TY7fy0eKiEM8XERhZS7qx0dPybLuZmpxMcdpkMynnWLtQDmEB6bQlY6tSrhPLXS2duT6VwHPKOssVINi1jMkZh5SrxALh10trTfzVUQltw8OU-LcrW9VUWToado8378lKT-fiW3Xx3tG2Oqd4DsIVq1ayKHtLoYQ8GN_w/s320/20230103_122947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The pair have had mutual
affection. The current Governor talked about how the pair walked in the chamber
together following Hogan's victory during his first term, “it was incredible gracious
thing to do.” The Governor knew the importance of the moment, because he had to
leave to swear-in in his daughter in St. Mary’s County as the States Attorney.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To introduce the A.G. was the Governor-Elect Wes Moore. “I
think I like this guy,” says Moore. Twenty years ago Moore’s girlfriend/now his
wife Dawn, tells him, “He’s a yardy.” A Jamaican term "you already know."
Their combine Jamaican ancestry <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was just
one of several similarities. They both served in Afghanistan. Moore assessed what
kind of Attorney General he will be. The Governor opined the new state's attorney will be “someone, who everyday he wakes up
fighting for those who need and deserves a chance…Justice is a verb. It’s not just
a thing. It’s something we actively fight for. And progress is not an evitability.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Moore gave way to Brown, there were a lot of Thank Yous. He
noted the historic moment becoming the first African-American elected to be
Attorney General of Maryland. Brown pointed to the men and women in the balcony
and on the floor of the House Delegates. These were Brian Frosh’s (the previous Attorney Generals) minions who took on a
number of tough cases.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brown knows he will have big shoes to fill. <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">“Given the position of trust we hold, we
must provide advice not only on purely legal questions, but also on the
critical areas where law and policy intersect, which will have profound and
far-reaching effects on the lives of all Marylanders.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He spoke of partnerships with law enforcement. <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">“I reject the idea that keeping our
communities safe and pursuing ethical policing are somehow mutually exclusive,”
he said. “We can and we will do both.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrb6kLDfONCMzBQ__0k-QyyPEImaMxLqXWhem-CvTKBE48a1B0lztQ-QeOtpYxdtUi2C8P4ndxqCAtUeVg3-41DzPu4rNz_vNzrW2tAgY-Gz0vaDE4gwQRREqZnQkY3dtxjrnedLFeSOOtjm9ZrBkCl_j3snFa9ySgBJfAa8tSZStcFKc4VgyvJmaDw/s4032/20230103_130552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrb6kLDfONCMzBQ__0k-QyyPEImaMxLqXWhem-CvTKBE48a1B0lztQ-QeOtpYxdtUi2C8P4ndxqCAtUeVg3-41DzPu4rNz_vNzrW2tAgY-Gz0vaDE4gwQRREqZnQkY3dtxjrnedLFeSOOtjm9ZrBkCl_j3snFa9ySgBJfAa8tSZStcFKc4VgyvJmaDw/w200-h150/20230103_130552.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenith Wickham Hurley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Brown talked a lot equity and inclusion. To make the point he
reinforce he will put more resources into the <span style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, serif; letter-spacing: 0.1px;">newly created Office of Equity, Policy and Engagement to be headed by Zenith Wickham Hurley</span>. It identifies and helps to execute innovative strategies to
advance OEPE goals and priorities </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“The bar has been raised,” according to the new Attorney
General, “and we must rise to the challenge.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">###<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-2098361226885824902022-07-17T11:07:00.012-07:002022-07-19T05:40:24.930-07:00Searching for Ms. Mabel: Observations on the Maryland Primary for Governor<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">(Baltimore, MD) The days, the ads, and candidates have
made their case. Maryland for all of its “purpleness” is still a “Blue State.”
With the election of Governor, a Senator, Congress persons, a Comptroller and
members of the legislature (not to mention local races) there should be tons of
reason to participate in the process. There is a “lack luster” feel to this
primary except for the billboards, mailers, the radio/online ads and TV ads.
The faithful have already cast their ballots. Those who are waiting for primary
day (Tuesday, 19 July 2022) either procrastinated or are traditionalist (I vote
on Election Day.)</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Maryland State Board of Election (MDSBE) already
knows as of July 15, 2022, 182,035 voters have casted ballots. This does not
include the number of mail-in ballots. According to the MDSBE, those ballots
won’t be counted until 7/21 – 29. In a word a delay. Those numbers come close
to past cycles, but it means the margins for winnings will be close.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL5yL1MiSYJu_0DoRaSeZHH1GLTkJ6dJwD_moZmHBotABweANdC02pl9RfSTc20fbhKN-2JULVhjZ1sF0TODmWB8cjokilsHMVOdaldkmjpKXsxPlgza4MuXPnIzqnaTkJJuynfz-hjJtU9MGZFn2J0CkpPuAx51IZGLZJGb8rRY9Xkw_8d1Q6UEs9g/s4032/20220717_091322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL5yL1MiSYJu_0DoRaSeZHH1GLTkJ6dJwD_moZmHBotABweANdC02pl9RfSTc20fbhKN-2JULVhjZ1sF0TODmWB8cjokilsHMVOdaldkmjpKXsxPlgza4MuXPnIzqnaTkJJuynfz-hjJtU9MGZFn2J0CkpPuAx51IZGLZJGb8rRY9Xkw_8d1Q6UEs9g/w200-h150/20220717_091322.jpg" title="Baltimore Central Baptist Usher Board" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baltimore Central Baptist Usher Board</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Looking for Ms.
Mabel</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For each of these candidates I have suggested they look
for Ms. Mabel (and yes I have asked several if they know who she is and where
to find her). This voter is a real person. You can find her in church on
Sunday. She is likely to greet you if you come to her church. “Welcome, to
Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ/The Evangelista Guadalupe Church/The Holy
Church of the Redeemer Catholic Church.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As she takes you to your pew, she is likely to be dressed
in all white with gloves, and a fan. “It’s so nice to have you join us for
service today,” says Ms. Mabel. Unbeknownst, to you and your handlers, Ms.
Mabel is a widow. Her husband served in World II or Vietnam. She is retired and
secure in her faith.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3v45729bX8Rma_7UfFeDtctLOsDDxowyvJ1r9i8Mgxhw8lGNEVoh5kvokBTd9Ori1Ky0IbExmysJTCTpKSYKMDgyAuGwfCdgt6A8UBXFoWOPjDBzxKKDmTNeI_kFBlDckptEcAZHTbe36XvfpIJnGXuONQYNFryKtMj-gN0OL_IelvFTjD2bChl4NQ/s2560/Resized_20220717_100802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3v45729bX8Rma_7UfFeDtctLOsDDxowyvJ1r9i8Mgxhw8lGNEVoh5kvokBTd9Ori1Ky0IbExmysJTCTpKSYKMDgyAuGwfCdgt6A8UBXFoWOPjDBzxKKDmTNeI_kFBlDckptEcAZHTbe36XvfpIJnGXuONQYNFryKtMj-gN0OL_IelvFTjD2bChl4NQ/w180-h320/Resized_20220717_100802.jpeg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appold United Methodist Church<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">“So young man/woman, why are you here today?” The logical
person will go straight political. “I’m running for office and I want your
vote!” This will not work on Ms. Mabel.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Your answer should be, “I am here to worship the lord. I
want you to know this won’t be the last time you will see me. By the third time
I come back, I hope you will know me. I hope you will be confident enough to
allow me to ask for your vote.” Her reply is, simple, “that’s nice.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">You have planted a seed. It can pay dividends, but only
if you follow through. Her reach is enormous. Not only does she serve on the
usher board, the ladies auxiliary, and the church Foundation Board. She has
more influence then the pastor.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In Maryland, never discount the power of the pulpit and
Ms. Mabel if you want to chance of winning.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Observations</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When this primary season began there were very few
obvious front runners. Those who claimed to be in that camp told me “this is my
race to lose.” A number of factors play into why one decides to take the leap
to “run for office.” Lining up supporters, fundraising, assessing the field are
just a few of items you need to have in place.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Far be it from me to discount those with national
experience in running campaigns. In Maryland, those who have not spent time on
the ground can’t answer some simple questions.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->All Black voters in this state are same?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There’s no differences between Latino and
Hispanic votes in Baltimore and DC Metro area?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do know where Maryland City, Deale, Ocean Pines,
and Sideling Hill are located in Maryland?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->You know all Black Republican voters are “Uncle
Toms” or Democrats never vote for Republicans?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wedge issues of race, sex, gender, and class are
the keys to winning Maryland?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These answers won’t get you where you need to be…but have
someone on your team who can answer these questions without going to “Google”
will give you a clue.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>The Democratic
Field</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PV1IL8WZeqPqy4muqvoM1gpBAS1sU_o57UfWmaBFPyhWKiB-5ttlct5r3oGqcvRmJf7ryrvAJf9F73G0xRW3IAKGZF3Pl5a6OBDM3fYTm2X2UGOZL7OuLma5dE7vYTLho1FMueP_OxEm_--Dn3wSL_RNm5LHZYHksOWlsQrTyjNxm_lke5KfQPQV2Q/s4032/20210921_180045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PV1IL8WZeqPqy4muqvoM1gpBAS1sU_o57UfWmaBFPyhWKiB-5ttlct5r3oGqcvRmJf7ryrvAJf9F73G0xRW3IAKGZF3Pl5a6OBDM3fYTm2X2UGOZL7OuLma5dE7vYTLho1FMueP_OxEm_--Dn3wSL_RNm5LHZYHksOWlsQrTyjNxm_lke5KfQPQV2Q/w200-h150/20210921_180045.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Early in this process it was clear the Maryland
Democratic Party had not cultivated enough women to run for office. It was
apparent in the Governor’s race. It took months for Laura Neuman, a former Anne
Arundel Count Executive. The Neuman switched from the Republican Party to Democratic
Party to join a crowded field. She didn’t last long after raising $109,000 in
three weeks. She would throw her support to Peter Franchot, the state’s
Comptroller, the considered frontrunner.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">At one of the first events to showcase the contenders was
the “Democratic Backyard Bash” held in Upper Marlboro. For an outside observer,
the favorite question was, “Who is that?” “What office are they running for?” Early
on any kind of traction is important.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A number of the candidates call Montgomery County home.
They include Franchot, Tom Perez, John King, Doug Gansler, and Ashwani Jain. Montgomery
Counties population is changing. The area around DC Metro (Silver
Spring-population US Census- 81,069/Rockville- population US Census-68,155/Bethesda
– population US Census- 65,092)has an influx of immigrants. The traditional
home owner has been replaced by renters.
Sounds of salsa and dialects (Portuguese/Spanish) from South America
permeate this community.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The county is also home to some of the most expensive
real estate in the state (Potomac – population US Census - 46,256). There is
also a large contingent of federal employees and retirees who call “Leisure
World” home (Rossmoor – population US Census - 9,215). Based on census
data there are 269,787 voters up for grabs.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My observation, no one has clear path to grabbing a
majority. This means the Montgomery County candidates will have to marry voters
from other jurisdictions in order to have a chance. This will include Prince
Georges, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore Counites.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Endorsements</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are some solid endorsements which can turn into
votes. It includes and not limited to unions and teachers. They turn out their
base and are seen as a stamp of approval. The AFSCME endorsement went to Tom Perez who was
the former Labor Secretary. To a surprise of many, first time candidate, Wes
Moore, snagged the teachers endorsement from Franchot.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are number of other endorsements which other
candidates will “crow as feathers in their caps.” The candidate’s endorsement
can be found on their websites, which I don’t need to rehash.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Newspaper
Endorsements</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This can be tricky. The two largest newspapers in the
state, The Baltimore Sun , and the Washington Post have weighed in. Each have
chosen Tom Perez as their candidate. While they have made cogent arguments as
to why. I noticed that neither paper picked an African-American candidate for
state wide office. How should I interpret this? Are these media groups “gun
shy” because the last two Democratic nominees were Black and shellacked by a
Republican Governor. I would offer up they were flawed, in ways which I
outlined in an earlier post (funding/not originally from Maryland/getting your
base to the polls).</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nWU4cTI4oQ-Byw8JClPmdUm5UWdQgWvzmYnf9v2e3T0Cbyc9k4Prd93PFNjly3-kN8GIJjtogkL0yeROV4B51txCYQpY8x3wi5GT4MXaI09_8_LfQEu8BLfqjxtSDewr1dXcueAvyIseNmVD4su7hHRTzPSUmdUWK933COOErei83g5ce9FUEaD4cw/s4032/20220606_151715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nWU4cTI4oQ-Byw8JClPmdUm5UWdQgWvzmYnf9v2e3T0Cbyc9k4Prd93PFNjly3-kN8GIJjtogkL0yeROV4B51txCYQpY8x3wi5GT4MXaI09_8_LfQEu8BLfqjxtSDewr1dXcueAvyIseNmVD4su7hHRTzPSUmdUWK933COOErei83g5ce9FUEaD4cw/w200-h150/20220606_151715.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaqANn2lEn8mx5XwMAshITETK_RhKMCzMdYfVyYEPI9jffn0uTDGFO5GbNrGjjZvOweWoFp3UybJmnMZ2bOUORMmkDMCgs7Unlyrn6FS74HMRiMwC2454TsPBIaprh5wPfZGUJPbDj9gItpwX7DJ6Jc-IeRVdpRfdtS4EMayBFt8FUTINgmq3cH1h3w/s4032/20220606_151823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaqANn2lEn8mx5XwMAshITETK_RhKMCzMdYfVyYEPI9jffn0uTDGFO5GbNrGjjZvOweWoFp3UybJmnMZ2bOUORMmkDMCgs7Unlyrn6FS74HMRiMwC2454TsPBIaprh5wPfZGUJPbDj9gItpwX7DJ6Jc-IeRVdpRfdtS4EMayBFt8FUTINgmq3cH1h3w/w200-h150/20220606_151823.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzu1dTdkROKtLLuBCzIDW-AUQxl34Os5VbbJoihndDXt1bNPK3akHzFAgN0E4SX0I9I1XzovW41jHf9AvB4yXwlEL5nK_9h8DwbdUneEXk7guby-8HBuUO9BrHQP2Ud_9DVGdoRaW3K84uyXd0U9h-Sk762LRJw5xSaUNbO8NvFQ1WHGIQWSB4b-X8g/s4032/20210718_164726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzu1dTdkROKtLLuBCzIDW-AUQxl34Os5VbbJoihndDXt1bNPK3akHzFAgN0E4SX0I9I1XzovW41jHf9AvB4yXwlEL5nK_9h8DwbdUneEXk7guby-8HBuUO9BrHQP2Ud_9DVGdoRaW3K84uyXd0U9h-Sk762LRJw5xSaUNbO8NvFQ1WHGIQWSB4b-X8g/w200-h150/20210718_164726.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />A number of polls show this is a three-person race
between Franchot, Moore, and Perez. Turnout will win the day. I believe the
person who can get more than 450,000 voters to the polls will win the day.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">FYI, race will be factor, no mater who wins in the
General Election (we are in a polarized environment). </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>GOP Candidates</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Despite a crowded field this is a two-person race in
the Republican Party, Kelly Schulz and Dan Cox. Each are trying to replace Governor
Larry Hogan. The endorsement by Governor Hogan of Schulz was expected and is a plus, but will it be
enough? Cox has the endorsement of former president Donald Trump.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is strong support for Trump within the Maryland
GOP. The anti-Trump wing of the GOP supports Hogan along with a number of
“Blue-Dog Democrats.” This is a problem. Democrats can’t vote in a closed
primary.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have interviewed each of the front-runners. They have an
affinity for the state, but have different approaches.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Kelly Schulz</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt-Z1JyTJetDPtOhYVtQURWCJPZfUhUSwqerf8ccVVMeu2IIRKsaiDO6aAyRvbv8eaTYb9lXYr0vb3OZ8--2YP8NEpCHAXL79tUz2It3JSwExTh9lS_8xlwBoV9fATHpfq8XrdblFrUksMKJpwa1aGUlh6mi6SIBcC6K02GQummgzjWIG2etA475QtA/s787/Kelly%20Schultz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="787" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt-Z1JyTJetDPtOhYVtQURWCJPZfUhUSwqerf8ccVVMeu2IIRKsaiDO6aAyRvbv8eaTYb9lXYr0vb3OZ8--2YP8NEpCHAXL79tUz2It3JSwExTh9lS_8xlwBoV9fATHpfq8XrdblFrUksMKJpwa1aGUlh6mi6SIBcC6K02GQummgzjWIG2etA475QtA/w200-h179/Kelly%20Schultz.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Schulz, a Hogan administration member, knows the ropes
of state government. A good thing to have, but voters are looking for your
“bona-fides.” The former defense contractor lives in Frederick, MD. She was
born in Michigan. She has worked, raised a family, and gotten her degree from St.
Mary’s College. What intrigues me about the only female candidate is how she
has re-envisioned her life. There are few candidates willing to share she got
pregnant which forced her to drop out of school. She came to Maryland and came up the hard way
working in a bar, taking night classes while taking her boys to hockey
practices.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The most recent sighting of Schulz had her in the Walbrook
Junction neighborhood of Baltimore City. Doni Glover of BmoreNews.com
questioned her commitment to people with drug additions in Baltimore City. “I
think it goes back to treating criminals like criminals not having consequences
to illegal actions,” according to the Republican candidate.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Members of the GOP have used drug addiction in the
suburbs as an urgent action, but did they forget suburbanites get their drugs
from urban centers. Oh wait, it’s about crime, which plays well.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With a significant “political war chest” this should be “cake
walk.” Members of the Schulz Team are concerned. How do I know? I am getting
bombard by emails, ads, and mailers. The Schultz Team is leaving nothing to
chance.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p><b>Dan Cox</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSuwngsaL7jWAzt9f70ZPIfMHuB-JupbVuTynIzzYe27uziK4RBnxUfVSfSyu62P-ancokvGkB_5z4MMU7HbDQ_wOHHLioz7G857wNCb_78dcFjSWuYHo9xqteFVKJM6bjEFTc0gIf-6nxOFhWr-4_cvpmJlubvqYFuJVSzq-GVgA0E5fBdK-dr5LYA/s679/Cox%20on%20MPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="679" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSuwngsaL7jWAzt9f70ZPIfMHuB-JupbVuTynIzzYe27uziK4RBnxUfVSfSyu62P-ancokvGkB_5z4MMU7HbDQ_wOHHLioz7G857wNCb_78dcFjSWuYHo9xqteFVKJM6bjEFTc0gIf-6nxOFhWr-4_cvpmJlubvqYFuJVSzq-GVgA0E5fBdK-dr5LYA/s320/Cox%20on%20MPT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Cox, is a “died in the wool Maryland Republican.” He
endorsed Hogan initially, but split with him on his approach to COVID-19. This
made him a hero to Trump who gave him an endorsement. According to Cox, “my
campaign is about freedom.” This is innocuous to all but loyal GOP members. It
is a mantra a number of MAGA members have adopted. As best as I can ascertain,
it’s about the freedom to do what you want, when you want, how you want. Its
protecting liberty, it’s making sure you have the tools to fight crime (more
police), and making sure any policy which would expand the rights of people who
don’t share your values are stopped before they can influence others who are
like you.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">You aren’t likely to hear from those who support Cox
because they see you as the enemy. They will refer you to their campaign
website. Asked about a schism in the Republican Party and he pointed to Hogan
“oppressing Maryland citizens” during the COVID-19 crisis. This came during his
endorsement announcement from Trump. In that curious moment, a gust of wind knocked
down an American flag which flanked him and his running mate.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is an interesting machine providing a lot of the
anti-Cox rhetoric. It includes a number of former Hogan operatives. Douglass
Mayer is advising the Schulz Campaign. Mayer, said this, “Dan Cox is what happens when crazy meets
stupid. A person who believes…the Chinese Communist Party has infiltrated MD
state government. He is not a rational actor."</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Cox is not phased by these comments. Here’s what I do
know and have seen. As you travel to the Eastern shore or Western Maryland
you’re like to see more Dan Cox signs on the major and minor roadways. Polls
show this is a close race. Add a TV media buy the Democratic Governors
Association in the waning moments linking Cox to Trump has the Shulz Campaign
upset.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The upset would be if Cox bests Schulz in the primary.
It would shake up a potential run for president by Governor Larry Hogan.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Charles F. Robinson, III</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="text-align: center;">###</span> </p>Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-7332210157244021432020-02-09T09:54:00.001-08:002020-02-10T06:08:37.656-08:00Mfume for Congress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcoJ-xrhJAsspbkqeNXKpolEkTa2cHPR9nbP-Qk0WBPu78tOVhgmdg5mB-EC1TSRfPrqwgyIE_XpJ5iMcVg5qR6K3CL50XCW7dpZmBoA75sX3YhHsdhWZtvjidzl-cL7S22B7oJMOJFAZ/s1600/mfumecu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcoJ-xrhJAsspbkqeNXKpolEkTa2cHPR9nbP-Qk0WBPu78tOVhgmdg5mB-EC1TSRfPrqwgyIE_XpJ5iMcVg5qR6K3CL50XCW7dpZmBoA75sX3YhHsdhWZtvjidzl-cL7S22B7oJMOJFAZ/s320/mfumecu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Baltimore, MD) The Baltimore region looked back to its past for the answer to the future. Kweisi Mfume, the former Congressman, bested 24 Democratic candidates in a special election on February 4, 2020 to replace the late Congressman Elijah Cumming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This was a decisive victory,” said Larry Gibson, the University of Maryland Law Professor who urged Mfume to run. The numbers tell a story of why. The former congressman garnered 43% (30,138) of the total Democratic Party Voters (note this was a closed primary, no independents nor cross party voting). The district which was once Baltimore City centered now contains Baltimore County and Howard Counties. His margins were high in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. In Howard County he lost to Dr. Terri Hill (the winner in Howard County) by 333 votes (Mfume – 3288, Dr. Teri Hill – 3621). It was clear Mfume had a ground game that extended well beyond his original congressional district.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There were a lot of questions about Mfume returning to political life. It’s not as if people haven’t been urging him for years to rejoin the political class (overtures included a run for Baltimore Mayor, Governor of Maryland and an unsuccessful run for Maryland US Senator). The former Congressman enjoys a hero like status in Baltimore. He talks often of his early days as the kid on the corner hustling and fathering several children. The first Black Congressman from the 7<sup>th</sup> District Rep. Parren J. Mitchell saw a young man, Frizell Gray, on a corner and began a conversation which lead to job on his campaign. Gray would change his name to Kweisi Mfume and become a community organizer, a college student, a radio talk show host, Baltimore City Councilman, and Congressman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Experience matters…experience matters…experience matters,” he chanted as the crowd joined in the mantra at the Baltimore Forum. There were a lot of people from his past in this room including former Judge Billy Murphy, Howard Libbit, Dan Henson, and Black Political Godfather Larry Gibson. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The room was also filled with next generation of political heavyweights including Baltimore’s Political Power couple Nick and Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore County Council Member Julian Jones, Baltimore State Senator Corey McCray and Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0tROitnr3Z0Tvn_S3f0JJC_MJ-1LCoQYasQVlltcihE7LAXOFYW6ojxAHl7QZ0VkfOP8omdrNbs9jS3ZFrU1J4oFZ8p-bkI0UGt81wDEHV6etczMEDnu50q3VBddcPZgP3Uq9RffDxq4/s1600/mfumecrowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0tROitnr3Z0Tvn_S3f0JJC_MJ-1LCoQYasQVlltcihE7LAXOFYW6ojxAHl7QZ0VkfOP8omdrNbs9jS3ZFrU1J4oFZ8p-bkI0UGt81wDEHV6etczMEDnu50q3VBddcPZgP3Uq9RffDxq4/s200/mfumecrowd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Mfume name is now cemented as a political brand with the likes of the Mitchell’s, Sarbanes, and Cardin in Maryland. “You know what you get.” His brand, like these names is personal. When Mfume walks into a room heads turn. He’s unafraid to “press the flesh, and look you in the eye.” Everyone doesn’t understand there are simply questions you are likely to encounter during a conversation in Baltimore. Where did you go to high school? What side of town did you live/grow up on? Who’s your momma/daddy? I have lived in and visited other cities where these same questions are asked, but in Baltimore its personal. Failure to answer is a brush off that the locals will not tolerate. They won’t say it to your face but, in their mind, they’ve surmised, “you’re not one of us.” Note this isn’t just a “Black Thing.” I have had the same conversations with other minorities, gender, and sexual orientation groups. We like authentic, “don’t ever tell someone from Maryland you boil crabs – we steam crabs.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Eye Test<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLYH4b4Z7mouPqL9YyAASGpnVX4KuhPxOCF2IoOb3sl2MV3NLjQPZx7gOppMjGKODS7-sJRbIml3DUXdTz1uT-Q5wdNAbcDB5izvzSvo-s3BzlpMLfwOsmxrx7mNtSsLfKeEWz4dz0Ecz/s1600/JillAnnounce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLYH4b4Z7mouPqL9YyAASGpnVX4KuhPxOCF2IoOb3sl2MV3NLjQPZx7gOppMjGKODS7-sJRbIml3DUXdTz1uT-Q5wdNAbcDB5izvzSvo-s3BzlpMLfwOsmxrx7mNtSsLfKeEWz4dz0Ecz/s200/JillAnnounce.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I watched a number of candidates roll out their campaigns for this race. Some chose historic locations, I watched a launch from a living room, online and everything in-between. With a short window to run, it was imperative candidates get in front of as many people possible. If you lived in the 7<sup>th</sup> District and attend a church, a synagogue, or a mosque you likely got a visit from the candidates. This is always a dicey proposition. Religious figures are not allowed to endorse candidates (you could lose your non-profit status).<o:p></o:p></div>
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With the window short on campaigning and name recognition at a premium there are tried true ways to do this. Lawn signs are an efficient way to get people to remember who you are in an election. This is easy but can be subject to vandalism.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ7AyaX3a7qSAzxGsR76eKvHjav5apNNAUzDlA1-PdgQ3-zipXNyUDC1rlxcZsjpFtxRa9HFH63nX-0lIWb4ADYxknOY1OZoJzuqWRb8FwYZBTupXYCDkCabcKe_CUvAJdtuUENVFWehp/s1600/NorthwestVoiceForum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ7AyaX3a7qSAzxGsR76eKvHjav5apNNAUzDlA1-PdgQ3-zipXNyUDC1rlxcZsjpFtxRa9HFH63nX-0lIWb4ADYxknOY1OZoJzuqWRb8FwYZBTupXYCDkCabcKe_CUvAJdtuUENVFWehp/s200/NorthwestVoiceForum.jpg" width="200" /></a>I saw this play out in a candidates forum at the <b>Free the Captives Church</b> when Janet Anderson, of <b>The Northwest Voice</b> asked, “A number of campaign signs along the Liberty Road corridor have been defaced, stolen or ripped apart. If you found a member of your staff had done this how would you handle it?” There were a number of candidates who were aware this was occurring and denounced anyone who would do this and distanced themselves from rogue supporters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/resizer/DbyCvftOTHMwuB-fquINtLYCgyY=/800x579/top/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MFQLRWBS7JG63BVPC6ZEVKKXZM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="144" src="https://www.baltimoresun.com/resizer/DbyCvftOTHMwuB-fquINtLYCgyY=/800x579/top/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MFQLRWBS7JG63BVPC6ZEVKKXZM.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next logical way to break through is via media. Everyone knows you must have a website and a social media presence. Much of the television ads didn’t come in until the weekend before the election. I know part of the problem was fundraising. Some candidates did better than others.<br />
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I want to point to one candidate, Michael Higginbotham, a law professor, gave his campaign $500,000. In the current climate this is not illegal but raised eyebrows. In his disclosure form, much of his spending was on polls, consultants, TV production and ad buys. On election night, a woman who supported Mfume began a conversation with me by asking about Higginbotham’s TV ads. I acknowledge I had seen them. “Did you notice he was running in the streets of Baltimore and there was no one else in the ad but him. How is that possible?”</div>
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<b>The Elephant in the Room<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For Maryland being a “progressive state,” it is inherently regressive when it comes to women and politics in both parties. The glass ceiling was broken years ago when Sen. Barbara Mikulski represented Maryland. Reps. Helen Bentley and Connie Morella were boasted about in national circles for their Republican affiliation. Likewise, Rep. Donna Edwards, became the first Democratically elected African-American woman representing Maryland. Now none of them are in office and for some it’s been a lifetime and no one appears to be on the horizon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This race offered a unique opportunity for women. It included Elijah Cummings wife, Maya Rockeymore Cummings, State Senator Jill Carter, Delegate Terri Hill and Dr. Leslie Grant. They made no bones about the need for “A Woman in the House.” A reference to the House of Representatives. There was even a forum for just women candidates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The men had to dodge and clarify especially, Mfume. It began with his announcement at the Reginald Lewis Museum. He began fielding questions about his inappropriate relationship with subordinates during his time as the CEO of the NAACP. He acknowledged it happened at a time when he was young, and called it a “boneheaded decision.” He is 70 years old and married today. He said he would reach out to women. As if on cue, I was passed a press release during his initial press conference from National Organization of Women. It was an endorsement from a past campaign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It didn’t stop the Baltimore Sun from publishing an article on Mfume’s time with the NAACP. The source for the article were papers from then Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Julian Bond. Bond said he had recommended terminating Mfume’s contract as CEO because of allegations from women. They never followed through because the CEO resigned. Reacting to this, Mfume said and suggested the two men had strong personalities (which I witnessed -covering the NAACP for BET).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several weeks after this episode <a href="https://www.afro.com/commentary-on-mfume-and-the-naacp/?fbclid=IwAR2Vk54XOiLvmZeVa-iUX582_eHPqMgCD8AWs1cqth_DFCEOlMBHbaMb0C8" target="_blank">DeWayne Wickham wrote an Op-Ed</a> in the <b>Afro American Newspaper</b> giving context. He also covered the NAACP for USA Today. Bond donated his personal papers to the University of Virginia in 2005 where he taught. The papers referenced in the article were always there. Wickham surmised “someone dropped a dime.” Wickham also pointed to the rocky relationship between NAACP’s CEO’s and Board Chairs (there is a long list). Lastly, The Afro endorsed Mfume.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Endorsement Game<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There are personal endorsements, and political endorsements. There is an unwritten rule in Black America not to speak “unwell of the dead.” When Elijah Cummings died a well of emotions came over a community. His homegoing service had past US Presidents, members of Congress, and people who knew him before his life as a politician. The speculation began at the funeral as to who would replace him in congress. His widow, acknowledge she wanted to continue the work of her husband. Several Maryland legislators were likely to throw their names in the race. I waited for the deadline and some 24 people filed for the special election to fill out the term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cummings daughters, who spoke at the funeral, made clear after the funeral they were not going to endorse their step-mother but instead gave their endorsement to their father’s Chief of Staff, Harry Spikes. There was a cold wind blowing that some of us may have missed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was followed by a report from the interim head of the Maryland Democratic Party, Maryland Senator Corey McCray. McCray said an audit of the books when Maya Rockeymore Cummings was the head of the Maryland Democratic Party, showed she payed more consultants and overspent from what she took in from fundraising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ms. Cummings refuted the claim suggesting the organization was “a mess and she brought in more money than her predecessor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPmNtrQwbZqGOvH0kzGWWiQej72ty5jFTKGQVclC_aZzTWo94SDExr6rDn1CrtztUvTLaKmSY7mi_NYC4t152IG1OzWIEm6oRObJmKFmv4c_yfkMrrnNN_tKKA6XdmtwLHGibpBbpbBgc/s1600/candidatesbackstage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPmNtrQwbZqGOvH0kzGWWiQej72ty5jFTKGQVclC_aZzTWo94SDExr6rDn1CrtztUvTLaKmSY7mi_NYC4t152IG1OzWIEm6oRObJmKFmv4c_yfkMrrnNN_tKKA6XdmtwLHGibpBbpbBgc/s200/candidatesbackstage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participants in the Northwest Voice Forum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With a week to go a number of campaigns rolled out personal endorsements. At the Cummings endorsement event I watched a number of prominent women personally endorse Cummings widow<o:p></o:p></div>
including former Baltimore Health Commissioner, Dr. Lena Wen, and former Baltimore City Council Member Helen Holton. I paid close attention to Holton’s remarks. She like other women in the room made the argument for having a woman in the Maryland congressional delegation. Holton questioned Mfume’s vote on the Crime Bill under President Bill Clinton’s administration, then there was a but! “I want to address all the women who are in the legislature running for this office. If you give up your seat…there is likelihood your position will be taken by a man…You need to leverage your position.” It came out of left field so afterwards I asked her to clarify what she was saying. She suggested they should step out the way and “Let Maya be the Congresswoman.”<br />
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When I got to Annapolis and I explained this to Del. Talmadge Branch and Del. Terri Hill they were taken aback. I asked if they had heard this argument. “That doesn’t make any sense,” Del. Branch said with disbelief. “I’m not going anywhere,” said Del. Hill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unbeknownst to me, Mfume was having his own endorsement event on the other side of Baltimore. It was billed as “Women for Mfume.” Lead by former Delta Sigma Theta President, Dr. Thelma Daley, the former Congressman was surrounded by a number of women in his life. Then he asked two of Elijah Cummings sisters to come forward as they endorsed his candidacy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know to the surprise of everyone including Maryland Senator Jill Carter, she received an endorsement from Baltimore Sun’s Editorial Board on the Sunday before the election on February 2, 2020. Paper endorsements aren’t what they use to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Epilogue<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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“This is for him,” Mfume referencing his friend Elijah Cummings as the crowd at the victory party wallowed in the joy of sending someone they knew back to congress. “Experience Matters.” The newly minted Congressman drew his own personal comparisons to having a first-year doctor do heart surgery, or someone who just got their pilots license flying a 747. In an era of Donald Trump, one’s non-political achievements have pushed some non-politicians to believe they have the wherewithal to use their platform to take on the challenges of our times…NOT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I know the community and the community knows me.” Mfume will fill out the remainder of Rep. Cummings term but will have a second regular primary on April 28, 2020 to fill out the two remaining years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVEemCxlZPIRksjKvMmmcYFAnJLY6-riLz4xdSLjaykKOdJQoaAyh6xKsLUtDr5mUA6Hl8jzrYRtZV0hZ1RSRw8yRDio0qh8Brskg4tQZRjc0kv7wK7ricsnz56ytcqemTP1xrU_TxBNO/s1600/mfumecu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVEemCxlZPIRksjKvMmmcYFAnJLY6-riLz4xdSLjaykKOdJQoaAyh6xKsLUtDr5mUA6Hl8jzrYRtZV0hZ1RSRw8yRDio0qh8Brskg4tQZRjc0kv7wK7ricsnz56ytcqemTP1xrU_TxBNO/s320/mfumecu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>###<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-34989992996775920512020-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:002020-01-01T12:34:21.647-08:00Top Ten Maryland Stories 2019<br />
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(Baltimore, MD) The politics of Maryland is changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stalwarts who shaped the state faced health
challenges paving the way for “new blood” into the system. Maryland continues
be challenged by corruption. From the rural to the urban areas we saw
overlapping issues of education, transportation, and crime. There is optimism on
the horizon but who will help shape it and to whose advantage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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10. The Mike’s who run Annapolis – At the beginning of the
year Speaker Michael Bush and Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller faced
health challenges. Speaker Bush had been recovering from a transplant and
President Miller announced he was being treated for cancer. Their second in
command were woman. For several days we had Speaker Pro Tem, Adrienne Jones and
Senator Kathy Klausmeier presiding over the two chambers in Annapolis (a first).
Sadly, Speaker Bush succumbed to illness with Jones serving as the Speaker of
the House. President Miller announced he will step down in January 2020 with
Senator Bill Ferguson taking over. This will be the first time in 32 years
Senator Miller has not presided over the upper chamber.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkleQyYw04Vo2JKf91shYhQfokI-_yn2qOAp1RiKfRAe-8X7guuexgPUKdwAvUC3XUwpS-iT0gwBrj4swMS7dPBtcOkyL7OmzUJ3hTE6eQtPhvm23-Hcbn2BSqF8_1jMElBhp7kMcNhpwA/s1600/GTTF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="484" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkleQyYw04Vo2JKf91shYhQfokI-_yn2qOAp1RiKfRAe-8X7guuexgPUKdwAvUC3XUwpS-iT0gwBrj4swMS7dPBtcOkyL7OmzUJ3hTE6eQtPhvm23-Hcbn2BSqF8_1jMElBhp7kMcNhpwA/s320/GTTF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. GTTF – What a mess in the Baltimore City Police
Department. We learned the fate of the<a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-baltimore-racketeering-case-timeline-20170906-htmlstory.html" target="_blank"> Gun Trace Task Force. Seven officers were indicted in federal court on racketeering, robbery, corruption, extortion,overtime pay and filing false paperwork charges in 2017</a> (an additional charge
of conspiring with a drug organization was tied to one of the defendants). This
year they discovered their fate. Five plead guilty and two others were
convicted. The fallout is ongoing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Baltimore States Attorney, Marilyn Mosby, asked the courts to toss 800 cases
that were tainted by these corrupt cops. Then Mosby said some cops could not
take the stand in court because of credibility issues (183 officers). This is occurring as a record number of
murders and shootings are going on Baltimore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. Kirwan Commission – The state is about to undergo a wholesale
transformation of its educational system. Leading this effort is Dr. William “Brit”
Kirwan. Using experts and statistical models they have laid out an ambitious
plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3IuvpHOEqxwiHSB9d6mqvuhn2AptRcYwyUq7JK59YaqEUMfR4wPLIVW1bW10U9P5zIPpppEYvV5Do-wcTRlhTx2pgsi9rojbQo0m5P7CqwsBnoPTQa5E0hqz3VX7LRfm-Mkv4Q9-uabJ/s1600/School+Construction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="646" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3IuvpHOEqxwiHSB9d6mqvuhn2AptRcYwyUq7JK59YaqEUMfR4wPLIVW1bW10U9P5zIPpppEYvV5Do-wcTRlhTx2pgsi9rojbQo0m5P7CqwsBnoPTQa5E0hqz3VX7LRfm-Mkv4Q9-uabJ/s320/School+Construction.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
They were able to get the idea through the legislature despite the
governor’s objection. Now the heavy lifting, the details and how to pay for it.
The Governor has called the group the “Kirwan Tax Commission.” <br />
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7. Governor Hogan’s Next Act – For awhile it looked as though
Governor Larry Hogan might challenge President Donald Trump for the Republican
nomination for POTUS. Governor Hogan didn’t quell the rumors and embarked on a
listening tour as the President of the Governor Association. We saw him in
Iowa, and New Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he
opted not to face off against a President who he is no fan of. Instead he has decided
to create <span style="background: white; color: #212529;">Change Maryland Action
Fund, </span>a Super Political PAC, which allows him to raise
unlimited money. The is likely to be targeted swaying voters from embracing the
Kirwan Commission recommendations and its funding model.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaT93WaDwx61UvUzycx2zmuI8sNiUf2lZkmIsP58EmKbcI1cTa4cgSQPANWkjMovnViQlJZnQyho3544o_N80dJ1LIbwqCdJgHjHGbOpRMx-R7dMhDgPjJ-sZ1uv2Tfbw1GWXxplUZOlq4/s1600/Lexington+Rat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="415" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaT93WaDwx61UvUzycx2zmuI8sNiUf2lZkmIsP58EmKbcI1cTa4cgSQPANWkjMovnViQlJZnQyho3544o_N80dJ1LIbwqCdJgHjHGbOpRMx-R7dMhDgPjJ-sZ1uv2Tfbw1GWXxplUZOlq4/s200/Lexington+Rat.JPG" width="200" /></a>6. The Lexington Rat – In one viral video, a rat was seen in
the cookie/cake glass stand at Lexington Market. The fallout was immediate, the entire market was closed by the Health Department. <o:p></o:p></div>
Customers
stop going and the need for improvement was laid bare at one of the oldest
markets in United States. The various Public Markets in Baltimore were being rehabbed
with new vendors and under new management. Time to start over.<br />
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5-Tied - I want to run for Mayor – With Baltimore Mayor Catherine
Pugh under investigation and indictment, people were wondering who should run
the city. The field includes current Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, the City
Council President Brandon Scott, Former Police Spokesman T.J. Smith, Former
States Attorney Thiru Vignarajah, State Senator Mary Washington, and Former
Mayor Shelia Dixon are but a few who believe they have what it takes on the
Democratic side. There at least four Republicans. The primary should be
interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5-Tied - I want to Represent the 7<sup>th</sup> Congressional
District – The death of Congressman Elijah Cummings came at a time when he
questioned the nations handling of the immigrant children at the border by
putting them in cage like structures. “We can do better than this?” Adding to
this was POTUS saying, “Why would anyone want to live there (his district)”? His
death meant a crowded field to replace him (24 Democrats and 14 Republicans).
It includes and is not limited to his wife, a former Congressman, at least 6
current members of the legislature, and a host of first-time office seekers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. I Got Caught – I take no solace in the downfall of politicians.
This year there were a record number in the state with a number of state
legislators were found accepting brides and using them for personal expenses.
Delegates Cheryl Glenn and Twanna Gaines were charged with taking bribes in
federal court. Then there was Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti who was censured by the
legislature for using a racial slur.
Delegate Jay Jalisi was reprimanded by the legislature for bullying
staff. The “biggest fish” caught in this political net, former House and Senate
member Catherine Pugh (more below). <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Traffic Nightmare – The DC Beltway and I – 270 traffic is
a nightmare. There are times where you are better off waiting, then joining
those already stuck in traffic. This deserves a solution. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://mont.thesentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/I495_MD_10_2005_165-768x512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="133" src="https://mont.thesentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/I495_MD_10_2005_165-768x512.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So, the <a href="https://mont.thesentinel.com/2019/08/08/hogan-may-consider-countys-proposed-alternative-to-widening-i-270-and-i-495/" target="_blank">Hogan Administrationseized on an idea in Virginia to use toll roads to ease congestion and usingthe money to pay for more lanes.</a> It struck a sour-cord with those in the region
who were told it might take ten years to do and a private company was going to
own the road. Everything seemed to going well till Comptroller Peter Franchot
balked and things are on hold. Also, Secretary Pete Rahm who was no fan of the
region and its problems says he is going back to New Mexico.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFCZKBHwvx6PVrEVKCdQ32YNDhw6P3op-bjAjbyWxNMrIKU8R6WzU5kKDMppvrXhJoko8LGHEJUuXs5BUbZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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2. Lamar Jackson/Ravens – “’Woo Woo,’ may I present to you,
the MVP front runner, Lamar Jackson in the flesh.” This according to Ravens
Running Back Mark Ingram, II, dubbed Jackson’s hyped man. I loved it and he was
right. “I'm about that. If you don’t believe me, meet me at the ‘Bank,’”
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zmfHTAW4lKY1euwTM8fJ6g--~A/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9MTI4MDtoPTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201912122013728188921" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zmfHTAW4lKY1euwTM8fJ6g--~A/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9MTI4MDtoPTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201912122013728188921" width="200" /></a></div>
Jackson has galvanized a city/a state/a nation in search of something to
believe in. His fans can’t wait to see his moves. Michael Vick is awed – he
broke his record. Allen Iverson’s crossover in basketball has noting on Jackson
leaving defenders in the dust. 14-2 and the AFC championship goes through
Baltimore. Thank You!!! “Woo, Woo.”<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGJP0nhUc8oxrDEHeqzTi0qEa5NFE-fyDMI-bhuBLY2mGwZCI57v6XVbslTRLzWH66zK3cl-orbKyudYO68SE0nmqNt9Z90tMKHXfVIW-FCae7DfcRuiC4EuT3Mq-m83E8pi8kwaeJUfk/s1600/Pugh+Books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1100" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGJP0nhUc8oxrDEHeqzTi0qEa5NFE-fyDMI-bhuBLY2mGwZCI57v6XVbslTRLzWH66zK3cl-orbKyudYO68SE0nmqNt9Z90tMKHXfVIW-FCae7DfcRuiC4EuT3Mq-m83E8pi8kwaeJUfk/s320/Pugh+Books.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. The Downfall of Cathy Pugh – Baltimore Mayor Catherine
Pugh was seen as a refreshing change from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The
word was she could make deals. That part was correct. She parlayed her
influence in the Maryland Senate, and as Mayor of Baltimore to enrich herself
at the expense of her constituents. The “Healthy Holly Book” series became a
cash cow with various groups buying hundreds of copies that were never
disturbed or printed. The money flowed into her personal accounts. She will be
sentenced in Federal Court in 2020.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Person of
the Year – Speaker Adrienne Jones</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlbAcZ0gIQHjTs7eEiiNErSmhaN-dV8D3DSjjwQEPzv4GDxu_z4zQK6dYPx9E9wtiBKJCjx6PySa9D5-qD-_aBFW7kovztlsSciH6gJeJlh-kQ4M1VS2zaBsT5Ro7TI7QVhay6Myiyt7m/s1600/Speaker+Jones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="667" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlbAcZ0gIQHjTs7eEiiNErSmhaN-dV8D3DSjjwQEPzv4GDxu_z4zQK6dYPx9E9wtiBKJCjx6PySa9D5-qD-_aBFW7kovztlsSciH6gJeJlh-kQ4M1VS2zaBsT5Ro7TI7QVhay6Myiyt7m/s320/Speaker+Jones.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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Delegate Jones confided in me a year ago she was interested
in becoming the Speaker if the current Speaker, Delegate Michael Bush’s health
did not allow him to continue. Midway through last year his health got worst and
Delegate Jones was asked to run the House of Delegates. Then the inevitable
occur Speaker Michael Bush died on the eve of Sine Die (last day of the
session). The next morning, she told me in interview on <b>MPT</b> she would seek the office permanently. I reminded her there we
those who thought she should not be the Speaker. “We’ll see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several weeks went by and two other candidates threw their
names in the ring, Delegates Maggie McIntosh and Derek Davis. Each of these
individuals began to call in “markers” for support. It was clear with two Black
candidates it was going to split the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus vote.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I received a phone call early one morning telling me I
should be at the Reginald Lewis Museum for an important announcement. When I
inquired to as to why. My source said Del. Jones was going to endorse Delegate
Davis for Speaker. I was shocked but not surprised. Delegate Jones did not run
a committee which meant her influence wasn’t as strong as Delegates Davis and
McIntosh who chaired some of the most powerful committees in Annapolis. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After Governor Hogan called for a Special Session, the
process for vote counting was underway. The early tallies showed the race
close. Members of the Maryland’s GOP for the first time concluded they were in
the driver seat to select a Speaker. Delegate McIntosh was too partisan and so
they threw their support to Delegate Davis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tension was high in the Democratic and Republican caucus
rooms. In the Democratic caucus room varied constituents personally lobbying
each other to flip their votes. According to several sources there were two to
three votes taken where no candidate had a clear majority. Partisans confessed
dis-illusion that Del. Davis could be over the top by a Republicans. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If was clear no one was willing to move, until a suggestion
was brokered to the Davis and McIntosh camps, would they be willing to revisit
the idea of Del. Jones being Speaker. Sometimes you have to make a political
deal and this was it. To the surprise of all the parities (including the
Republicans) Delegate Jones named advanced to floor. With praises of her
selection in the from all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHF72CSxpqeETyGuDxuyEslY_b0TkKuFynpcT9CW4JasFtI6rQpeUaXM-MGm7I1Y-SamD0Mpm5CXkxFxiVeqdfgxn_1rbL43hMFAEKtKtvpdclPmjQHaaTlD532VkP5fRZfOyh3CMiX9F/s1600/New+Speaker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="878" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHF72CSxpqeETyGuDxuyEslY_b0TkKuFynpcT9CW4JasFtI6rQpeUaXM-MGm7I1Y-SamD0Mpm5CXkxFxiVeqdfgxn_1rbL43hMFAEKtKtvpdclPmjQHaaTlD532VkP5fRZfOyh3CMiX9F/s320/New+Speaker.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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During the post vote press conference surrounded by her
supporters. I reminded her in my question. “You know now your name will be
included with Harriet Tubman in Maryland?” As Speaker Jones began to ponder, “I
haven’t had a chance to let that sink in yet.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Speaker Jones holds to high honors in the state, the first
woman and first African-American to hold one of the three leadership position
of the state. FYI, the pictures of the past speaker are on the walls of the
House of Delegates, she will be the first woman. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-22844798436682424162019-04-30T21:25:00.000-07:002019-05-01T05:41:32.565-07:00Dirty Secrets<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Annapolis) Shhh! The dirty little secret of this week’s Special Session
in Annapolis is the white men who’ve governed this state are getting company.
They’re about to add a person of color or a female. It’s easy to see as you
walk into the chambers. Their portraits adorn the House of Delegates, the Senate
Chamber on the first floor and grace the reception areas in the Governors Chamber.
These are white men with power who’ve held on to it for generations. That’s
about to change and it’s an anathema or a welcome change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Make no bones about it, when the Maryland Legislature
convenes for this Special Session on Wednesday May 1<sup>st</sup> the grit of
“hardball politics” will be laid bare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When Marylander, Frederick Douglass claimed, “Power
concedes nothing without a demand, never has and never will.” He had no idea a
(gay) women and an African-American man would via for one of the three chambers
of Maryland politics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
“If not now, then when? I think this is our time, this is
our opportunity and we are going to seize the moment,” according to Maryland
Legislative Black Caucus (LBC) Chairman, (D) Delegate Darryl Barnes of Prince
Georges County. The caucus put down it’s marker for one of its own, Delegate
Dereck Davis to become the first African-American Speaker of the House.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Delegate Maggie L. McIntosh, a Democratic from Baltimore
City, has made her case suggesting she has some sixty for votes in hand. She
all but declared victory during a phone press briefing, “I feel like it’s
mine.” If elected she would become the first female and gay Speaker of the
House. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Delegate McIntosh can call
in a number of favors. She has solid roots in the Union movement and
educational communities. During this phone call she said she would be the “Education
Speaker,” making funding of the full Kirwan Commission Report a reality, and
the building of schools in the state her first priority. In a dig at her
opponent, “he’s said nothing about education.” Well that’s not true. Her
supporters see her as being the right foil for a popular Republican Governor
Larry Hogan. Her loyalties run deep and can be found far beyond the Baltimore
City boundaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE69oXz6gi3AsW_xN7GYWpPPoLHVI4pLQqh4o3EYSprGJrDoYZDUamPmbydY-fprK6yfj8Bqs6vwGROLOuEfVfQ1kFDMj7fCPmk0DhN5t1CUGhguUreKMKeV4xrSm31ok0um3aHkNcYlxL/s1600/20190426_105030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE69oXz6gi3AsW_xN7GYWpPPoLHVI4pLQqh4o3EYSprGJrDoYZDUamPmbydY-fprK6yfj8Bqs6vwGROLOuEfVfQ1kFDMj7fCPmk0DhN5t1CUGhguUreKMKeV4xrSm31ok0um3aHkNcYlxL/s320/20190426_105030.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The endorsement by the Black Caucus on Monday was a formality
that everyone had expect since the decision by Delegate Adrienne Jones to step
aside on Friday, allowing Delegate Davis to be the only African-American
candidate. It was a majority but not a plurality. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Noticeable absent from the announcement was Delegate Regina
Boyce of Baltimore City. According to reports, she resign from the Black Caucus
via email after hearing (Reported by Maryland Matters) that the LBC Chairman
Barnes said, <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "libre baskerville" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are going to let a white lesbian be the Speaker
of the House?” Delegate Boyce, who shares a district with McIntosh, said, “I
was ashamed and embarrassed that our caucus could be so obsessed with having a
‘first black person’ in leadership that they would tear down someone else to
express that desire,” During a Bill Signing ceremony on the eve of the
vote she said, “I had no idea the email would be made public.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Delegate Barnes addressed comments attributed to him
regarding McIntosh, as being a “white lesbian.” He was appalled by the letter. There
was a meeting on Sine Die (30 days ago)… “Those words never came out of my
mouth.” The Prince Georges Delegate “attributed it to political posturing.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Refuting this assessment was Delegate Jose Pena-Melnyk of
Anne Arundel and Prince Georges Counties. “I was there, I heard it.” She has
gone on record to support Del. McIntosh. Also weighing in on this controversy
was Del. Robyn Lewis of Baltimore City who called the comments “appalling.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
The varied divisions in the Democratic Caucus was not lost
on Delegate Davis who knows wounds are raw and open in the race. Putting
together a coalition of liked minded people to elevate him to the Speaker post
will come with challenges. “We all have relationships down here in the General
Assembly we work with different people. I have no ill will towards anyone who
doesn’t support my candidacy…You can’t take this stuff personally.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/images/mcintosh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/images/mcintosh.jpg" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="180" /></a>Easier said than done. Some battles get under your skin and
linger long after the war. “Sometimes I can be with you, sometimes I can’t,”
said the “would be” Speaker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
For the first time we also heard McIntosh admit
she reached out to the Republican Party leader, Del. Nick Kipke. “What I told him,
I would work with the Republicans.” While this across the aisle "kumbaya moment" was notable, understand this, the Baltimore City Delegate is highly partisan. It
was clear when she suggested a Democratic candidate put in the Speaker’s Chair
by Republicans would be unacceptable.</div>
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<br />
While we watch the lead up to an actual vote, the question
is what will happen when the Republican Caucus meets? Their leader Del. Kipke
of Anne Arundel County says despite his differences with the late Speaker Michael
Busch they often comprised and left the “hard-nosed” uncompromised political
stances in the background or on the campaign trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
When asked during the bill signing ceremony on Tuesday about
the GOP and its positions on either candidate, “I believe there both good
candidates…we’ll meet and make a decision Wednesday.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
The Prince Georges
County Delegate Davis says he has had conversations with Delegate Kipke. “I’m running
and I will continue in the tradition of Mike Busch."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
A signal that has the Democratic Leaders in the state
feeling burned. They want the Speaker elected by a majority of the Democratic
Caucus. They feel if the members of the GOP have a hand in crafting who will be
the next Speaker they have lost their power.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Davis says Kipke gave him a compliment during one of
his committee hearing this session, “When I look at Chairman Davis I see myself in him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Not all my
skin-folks are my kin-folks,”</b> an African-American Proverb.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Watching all these events unfold are observers with vested
interests. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Leaders of Beautiful
Struggle </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(LBS)</span>, a grass roots organization advocating for African-American
criminal justice reform, was tempered in the decision by the Maryland Black
Caucus to have a single candidate. Dayvon Love of LBS noted it was time for
them (the Black Caucus) to “exercise their muscle.” He’s not new to the ways of Annapolis on
important issues as it relates to “Black-folk.” “Having a Blackface in a high
place doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s…good for the masses of Black People.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
A question a number of Delegates will face begins with a simple question. “Can being Gay out weigh being Black?´It’s a conundrum
facing a number of people. “If a support a Gay candidate, and not a Black
candidate does that make me prejudice?” “If I support a Black candidate and not
the Gay one, does that make me homophobic?” If I support a man over a woman
does this mean I’m discounting women or the reverse, I’m I discounting men?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
The numbers are stark. Delegate Davis noted there was only on African-American Chair in the House of Delegates when he arrived in Annapolis. There still is only one today (Davis- House Economic Matters Committee), some 20 years later. Delegate McIntosh also mentions the fact there are more women in the legislature than ever before. It's also true that the number of Chair-persons who are Gay have also increased.<br />
<br />
These scenarios are going to play out in the vote. It’s likely to get nasty. After the vote will the other side be able to reconcile. Here’s
one thing I do know, this vote is going to close.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Skepticism abounds around this race for Speaker of the
House. The permutations of the potential outcomes will have your head spinning.
While this weeks will end speculation for now…it could come back again in
January 2020 when a new legislature is seated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-10797706472362308152019-03-04T12:32:00.000-08:002019-03-04T12:32:24.495-08:00Can You Teach Me How To Dougie?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZofv3j9XsnxO_J4t0XIqi67KACiBtHsS6cJ2SeudEbZ52pMoqq8FSmKcoquomnY1k7ZHoME2FM40JpitiNuYZeCQi6i-lMKW3wO2WHqcPkznHJH7ecHUg92ZDUbbuKslTLz3uUpr5mwI/s1600/WIN_20190301_132324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZofv3j9XsnxO_J4t0XIqi67KACiBtHsS6cJ2SeudEbZ52pMoqq8FSmKcoquomnY1k7ZHoME2FM40JpitiNuYZeCQi6i-lMKW3wO2WHqcPkznHJH7ecHUg92ZDUbbuKslTLz3uUpr5mwI/s320/WIN_20190301_132324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Annapolis, MD) There are some names in Maryland Politics who
are ground breakers. Doug Mayer is one them. You may not know the name but he
was a part of Governor Larry Hogan’s communications team. When it was time for re-election,
Mayer became Deputy Campaign Manager focused on strategy and messaging. Say
what you will, it was effective and ushered in a stunning defeat of a Democratic
candidate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So what’s he up to these days? He is a partner in <a href="https://strategicpartnersmedia.com/" target="_blank">Strategic Partners & Media</a>, an Annapolis based firm. In addition to its political client
list (which isn’t just based in Maryland) they also are doing public relations
for a number of corporate clients. We drill down on the Governor’s popularity and how he was
able to use Facebook to his advantage. The “new media guru” talks about the
governor’s last week of campaign ads. These included a number of individuals
who you wouldn’t likely expect to endorse a Republican candidate. I learned a
new term in this political landscape, “permission ads.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Is the Governor Running for President?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Governor Hogan is in Des Moines, Iowa for the National Governors Association's, "Good Jobs for All Americans," Regional Workshop (3/4-5/2019). So you know I had to ask the question, “Is Larry
Hogan running for President?” The message is clear, “he hasn’t ruled it out.”
Mayer gives insight on Maryland’s chief executive thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In a wide ranging interview Mayer talks about his time as communications chief and strategy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just click here, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/doug-mayer-live-from-pit" target="_blank">Doug Mayer Live from the Pit</a>.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aZglqkCRNt8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZglqkCRNt8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I didn’t get chance to ask if can dance, but I know he is a “hip-hop
head.” I bet he can do the Dougie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-79956626402551872012019-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:002019-02-09T16:00:27.810-08:00Life Gets Real for Montgomery County Senator<br />
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(Annapolis, MD) – I get a lot of emails during the
legislative session, but receiving this one from Montgomery County Senator
William “Will” C. Smith made me pause.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Silver Spring, MD, February 6, 2019 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- State Senator </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=smith02&stab=01" target="_blank">William “Will” C. Smith, Jr.</a></span></span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, an Officer in the United States Navy Reserve,
has received orders from the Pentagon to deploy to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Resolute Support. Smith, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate
Judicial Proceedings Committee and is Chair of the Senate Veterans Caucus, will
report for duty on March 29, 2019. The Senator’s deployment comes toward the
end of Maryland’s 439th legislative session.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senator Smith, who is an attorney in private practice with a focus
on national security law and employment discrimination, commissioned to be an
Intelligence Officer through the Navy Reserve’s Direct Commission Officer
Program and has received the National Defense Service Medal; the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal; two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards; and a Joint Service
Achievement Medal.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senator Smith’s office will remain operational in his absence and
his staff will be actively engaged in handling constituent matters for the
residents of District 20.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZKsz65PET9VYjazcXK1AbWdgON-JZ1uuyBF1-0smzHkRQFmY3BfxG8Ulg-o24zAMC4A68Ym6kWdT6jn0k-eJALJcOhN4L6h0kPTiqgKM7KVQX9ztOWpa8W5Io61ydFOL8B6w44RuNvpp/s1600/WIN_20190208_152053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZKsz65PET9VYjazcXK1AbWdgON-JZ1uuyBF1-0smzHkRQFmY3BfxG8Ulg-o24zAMC4A68Ym6kWdT6jn0k-eJALJcOhN4L6h0kPTiqgKM7KVQX9ztOWpa8W5Io61ydFOL8B6w44RuNvpp/s320/WIN_20190208_152053.JPG" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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The next day I saw Senator Smith and told him. “Things just
got real.” He smiled and nodded. The Montgomery County Senator has been on a
unique trajectory since his appointment last year to the Senate (he won a full
term in November 2018). He is one of Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller’s
legislative lieutenants. <o:p></o:p></div>
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His military background endears him to a cross-section of
legislators from both parties, and it doesn’t hurt he is the Chair of the
Veterans Caucus. Senator Smith is not the first to deploy to a warzone. During
his term in the House of Delegates Congressman Anthony Brown was deployed to
Iraq. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Naval Reserve Officers deployment will come before the
end of the 2019 session. It has put some pressure on the legislative leadership
to consider bring up controversial bill if they need passage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Senator Smith talks about his deployment, constituents, and
legislative agenda in this edition of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-from-the-pit-sen-will-smith" target="_blank">Live from the Pit.”</a> (just click)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-8271517360048047362019-02-06T15:22:00.005-08:002019-02-06T15:22:52.125-08:00Charles County Through A Different Lens<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPDeaejT5eVWKv4cmyDMawtiIxyvokapUWr-qVbEqydT7h8iTCwcs6SXQKFv87lwm9q_U3dbaBLrf2Pj-DuuzYWHFeKuRcbF1dMYLn9U5t7YHb1VNEAh158yjb4Wakf8B26CFUSuVnBOE/s1600/Charles+County.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPDeaejT5eVWKv4cmyDMawtiIxyvokapUWr-qVbEqydT7h8iTCwcs6SXQKFv87lwm9q_U3dbaBLrf2Pj-DuuzYWHFeKuRcbF1dMYLn9U5t7YHb1VNEAh158yjb4Wakf8B26CFUSuVnBOE/s1600/Charles+County.JPG" /></a>(Annapolis, MD) The evolution of Charles County according
to Senator Arthur Ellis has been in the works for some time. The county was at
one time the heart of tobacco country in Maryland. The jurisdiction is nestled
near the Potomac River. Its county seat is Waldorf which splits Route 301 on
your way to the Nice Bridge which links Maryland and Virginia.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In our wide ranging conversation during “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Live from the Pit”</b> Senator Ellis talks
about how federal employees from Washington, DC saw the county. According to
him it was seen as an oasis from urban sprawl with affordable homes. It’s less
than an hour commute to the nation’s capital. The catalyst for change came after
a firebombing of several homes in the Hunters Brook sub-division in December
2004. The assailant and his co-conspirators said, “<a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.arson24jun24-story.html" target="_blank">the arson (was done) in partbecause African-Americans were buying many of the houses” in the county. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to the 2018 election results. It brought significant
change to Maryland’s southernmost county, Charles County. Senator Ellis who was
and is a NAACP activist took out a lieutenant to the powerful President of the
Senate, Senator Thomas V. “Mike” Miller. Senator Ellis bested Senator Thomas “Mac”
Middleton in the primary, helping lead a wave of freshmen legislators. As I
look at the Charles County Delegation now, it has five African-American
Delegates and one African-American Senator (Sen. Miller is the only holdover
from the past). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have several books
with pictures of past delegations and this looks nothing like it was.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Senator Ellis, a Certified Public Account, is finding his
way around the capitol meeting with constituents and colleagues. His district
was severely impacted by the recent federal government shutdown. He’s
introduced his first piece of legislation to help those who suffered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We also talk about the <a href="https://georgetownvoice.com/2018/12/07/here-comes-the-sun-local-environmentalists-oppose-university-solar-project/" target="_blank">solar farm which Georgetown University wants to put in Charles County</a>. I was shocked to learn he lives five miles from
the site and he gives his take on whether putting the farm there is the best
usage of the land. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lastly, many legislators don’t come to Annapolis by themselves.
I was kind of taken aback when I called to set up this appointment and I got
the Senators voice mail. When I arrived at his office, a woman sitting at the desk went to get
him. As we set for the interview he told me his secretary was in mandatory
training session. So I asked about his intern who greeted me? That’s when he told me, “Charles,
that’s my wife.” After apologizing, I introduced myself and she was as gracious
a host as I will ever meet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Take a listen to the podcast. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-from-the-pit-sen-arthur-ellis" target="_blank">"<b>Live from the Pit" with Sen. Arthur Ellis.</b></a><br />
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-20784513677373855682019-01-18T17:54:00.002-08:002019-01-18T17:54:40.020-08:00Opening Week in the MDGA 2019<div class="MsoNormal">
(Annapolis) – The first week of the Maryland General
Assembly is always filled with anticipation. There are 61 new members, it’s the
largest class of women lawmakers, one of the most diverse groups and new
leadership. The selection of leadership was never been in question. Delegate
Michael Bush was re-elected by the House and the Senate choose Senator Thomas
V. “Mike” Miller to be President of the body. Both men are in their 70’s and
with so many new members the standard both men have set should not be taken
likely. Some of the freshmen campaign on the idea “shaking up the status quo.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The legislative body has laid out several issues
Baltimore Crime, School Funding, Minimum Wage, Marijuana, and Sports Gambling. To sort it all with me is Josh Kurtz of<a href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/" target="_blank"> Maryland Matters</a>. We breakdown what we saw and its varied impacts. I also hope you read his take on Sen. Miller.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/01/11/josh-kurtz-this-is-big/</span></span><img alt="" class="entry-thumb td-animation-stack-type0-2" height="480" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?w=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?resize=80%2C60&ssl=1 80w, https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?resize=265%2C198&ssl=1 265w, https://i1.wp.com/www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Miller-and-Busch.jpg?resize=560%2C420&ssl=1 560w" title="Miller and Busch" width="640" /><br />
<br />
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<h2>
Josh Kurtz joins me for <a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/josh-kurtz-live-from-the-pit" target="_blank">Live from the Pit.</a></h2>
Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-79281256699971523502019-01-13T18:42:00.001-08:002019-01-31T11:58:41.400-08:00Beale Street Talkin’<br />
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(Baltimore, MD) There are times when you realize you are
witnessing something that is special. So when I received an invite to see a
screening of “If Beale Street Could Talk” on January 10, 2019; I was especially
excited by the question and answer session with writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates and
Barry Jenkins, the Director of the film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First for the disclaimer, I have not read the James Baldwin
book but I am a big fan of his writing and his takes on American culture and
how “Black Folks” inhabit its unique space. The book written in 1974 (the year
I graduate from high school) comes after a successful writing career (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Notes on Native Son</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go Tell It On the Mountain</b> and others).
Baldwin, the contemporary writer, wants to tap into the angst of the period. He
already has dealt with several racial conflicts. This book comes at a time
following the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In urban America, the strife
of inner city life is tied up with crime and what it does to families. The
vehicle he uses is the arrest of a young Black man framed for a rape. The dynamic of becoming a father behind bars adds to the tension.
This is a love story in all of its complexities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Barry Jenkins, the Director of <b>Moonlight</b>, won Best Picture
at the Oscars in 2017 (in the strangest <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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presentation on live television – they
lost, then were told they won.) I was thrilled Jenkins would tackle a James
Baldwin book. It’s not easy; people have read the story and have preconceived
notions about how it should work. Would it be true to Baldwin’s prose or would
it need a contemporary twist to reach an audience 45 years, removed from the
period? The answer is on the screen.</div>
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Coates’ upbringing in Baltimore has informed much of his
writing. The same can be said of Jenkins who grew up in the Liberty City
neighborhood of Miami during the “Crack Epidemic.” The invite to come to
Baltimore is both intriguing and brings an air of expectation that few can
imagine. Both men are at the top of their game… This is like having Langston
Hughes and Richard Wright, or Countee Cullen and Ralph Ellison compare notes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They are friends and you find out following the screening
this is the “mutual admiration” club. It becomes clear when Jenkins stops the Q
and A. He reminds Coates of their first meeting in a San Francisco bar 14 years
ago. Over drinks, Jenkins says “You stopped me and said, ‘you need to get out.’”
(FYI, this is not a reference to the recent movie.) Stunned, Jenkins is
literally told he “needs to leave the country.” Following the conversation,
Jenkins says he took the writer up on his suggestion and moved to Paris. While
in Paris, he writes a pair of screen plays, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moonlight</i></b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If
Beale Street Could Talk</i></b>. The movie director says, “Thank you.” (Crowd
goes “Awww!!”) The audience begins to realize they are in for a conversation,
which will be remembered. Coates acknowledges the gesture and then tells the
filmmaker, “You know, I didn’t have a passport during that time.” There are
chuckles. Like Baldwin, Coates and Jenkins have lived in Paris. Is it coincidence?
There is a time honored of tradition of expatriates finding that unique Black
Voice in Europe...hmm?<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are some 700 people hanging on every word these
two men say. The early part of the conversation is about the usage of close ups of
the actors' faces. There hues cover the range of Black folks complexions. It leads to a discussion about the details of Blackness and Black
love. The overwhelming African-American crowd knows it’s not something you see
on the screen often. “This movie is about the personal stories” of the characters
laid out by Baldwin. The lead actress, Kiki Lane (who plays Clementine), “<i>it’s
her first movie</i>,” according to the Director. Later, Jenkins tells the story of
a screening in Paris and how the French are taken with Clementine’s’ hair
style. “How did you do it (in a French accent)?” “<i>It’s just her natural hair</i>,” as
the movie director shrugs his shoulders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As I watched the movie, I had lot of questions. Coates,
who’s seen the movie before, had many of the same questions. “I’ve got
questions about how you ended the movie...?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well," as Jenkins sighs, “There is alternate ending to the movie.” I
don’t want to give away about how it ends, but let’s just say, you’ll want to get
the DVD when it comes out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a lot of trauma in this movie and the Director
addresses it this way, “How you deal with trauma can make you go crazy.” He
lets the movie goers in on a scene he thoroughly enjoys. It involves the
character Fonny (Stephan James) and his friend Henry (played by Brian “Paper
Boi” Tyree). It is a twelve minute sequence of the two men talking about
Henry’s time in jail. Initially, the Director uses two cameras, but decides to
use only one. The layering makes this scene work. It starts with “Where you been?”
What did you do? Whatca been doin?” It’s like peeling an onion, something is
revealed with each layer. It is a foreboding sense that you never want to be
there - jail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another scene I was personally interested in was the
announcement of Clementine’s impending pregnancy. Both families are invited
to come over to the River household. “A life is coming,” Sharon Rivers (Regina
King) tells the family of Fonny. The females of the Fonny family aren’t pleased to hear a child is coming into this world and one of his sisters responds
accordingly, “Who is going to take care this baby? Fonny, ain’t got no job and
he’s in jail.” These kind of confrontations play out in Black families…with a sense
of "we will find a way." The Baldwin treatment of religion and Blackness is on
full display.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Lastly, Regina King who plays Sharon Rivers gives an
unbelievable performance. As I watched her on the screen, I’m reminded she began
her acting career on a TV a sitcom as a young girl. Her breakthrough performance
came opposite of Janet Jackson in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poetic
Justice</b> and numerous other parts (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ray</b>).
We have watched her turn into an actress worth watching and crafting believable
characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the “out of the blue” questions came during a section
where Coates tries to get at Jenkins motivations about his film making. Coates
asks, “Were there any TV/films you saw growing up that had an impact or influenced
you?” Jenkins begins to think and rolls back the idea of influence. “I believe
after I saw Spike Lee’s, School Daze…I said, ‘Hmm, that’s different.’” He goes
on to say he never knew that world existed. This leads to questions about education
and the role of teachers for both men. On the topic of post-secondary education,
Jenkins talks about attending Florida State University. His major was creative
writing. Things change via the football team. Several of his friends use the
stadium cafeteria because of the food. It’s also where the film school is
located. On one occasion, there is an open house and he attends. He changes his
major.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t smooth sailing. His
first short film was a disaster because he didn’t know about cameras, exposures
and film. He takes off a year and comes back with renewed vigor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The conversation between the two men goes on for more
than 30 minutes. I would have been okay with them continuing the conversation
allowing the audience to listen in. It was nuanced, it was measured, it was all
over the place, and it was Black folks thinking like Black folks without the
filters. A welcomed<span id="goog_1678576870"></span><span id="goog_1678576871"></span> break from some heavy issues I often cover in Black
Politics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-15729670177536645322018-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:002019-01-02T12:51:51.209-08:00Maryland Stories of the Year 2018<br />
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Maryland and it’s a proximity to Washington, DC means were
are inevitably in the national spotlight. This year the Attorney General sued
the Trump administration on several occasions. The violence of urban areas also
consumed the state. We continue to buck trends by re-electing a Republican for
Governor. I wrote earlier about how “Maryland is Different.” I am happy to note the opening of the Harriet Tubman Trail. Was shocked when the UMBC Basketball Team a #16 seed knocked off a #1 seed. On the horizon are
the challenges everywhere. So now for the annual disclaimer, you don’t have
to agree with my list, so make your own. As always comments are welcomed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyuy5Iwp-y09DBpZF3QwirCrMLSr63UTQkZVsyAgQzs7kQfzurjxgUdU8r3NMd7rawGlWVbHaK0CSS6EoH7ho85yx7n0jVHm-oKeUXUsX2BRzvTLHVLZIf-NIJkTXe15fuFDIiN3RAnjB/s1600/20151208_110043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyuy5Iwp-y09DBpZF3QwirCrMLSr63UTQkZVsyAgQzs7kQfzurjxgUdU8r3NMd7rawGlWVbHaK0CSS6EoH7ho85yx7n0jVHm-oKeUXUsX2BRzvTLHVLZIf-NIJkTXe15fuFDIiN3RAnjB/s320/20151208_110043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rev. Jamal Bryant with Sen. Bernie Saunders in Baltimore</td></tr>
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10. Rev. Jamal Bryant Leaves Empowerment Temple – Clergy in
Baltimore not only preach to their “flock,” but also have a broader message to
society. Reverend Bryant of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore used his position
to champion the cause of Black men dying at the hands of police (Trayvon
Martin, Michael Brown, and Freddie Gray). He preached at the funeral of Gray
and that same day an “uprising” occurred on Pennsylvania and North Avenues.
Leaving a CVS and other businesses torched at the hands of protesters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rev. Bryant joined with civic leaders the next
day to call for calm. He even names a community center for Gray. His famed parishioners
include former Raven football player, Ray Lewis and was a spiritual advisor to
Omarosa Manigualt. So when word comes he’s leaving Baltimore a number of people
were puzzled. He’s headed to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta to
take over the church once presided over by Bishop Eddie Long.<o:p></o:p></div>
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9. Opioids – When Governor Larry Hogan called the opioid
crisis a statewide emergency four years ago, the focus was on pain pills like Oxycontin.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As their supplies were scrutinized users
replaced the legal drug with heroin. Today heroin is being replaced by a drug
called fentanyl. Its ramifications are deadly. There are more fentanyl deaths
in the state and they are outpacing heroin overdoses. Naloxone which is used to
revive overdose victims has been a godsend. The price however is growing and
may put this drug out of the reach of those who need it most.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. Baltimore Police Chiefs – Over this year Baltimore had
three Police Commissioners. They include Kevin Davis, Darryl De Sousa, and Joe
Tuggle. This isn’t a good look no matter how you spin it. The city has
challenges, problems, financial issues and is a under a consent decree. So next
up is Joel Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, is the former Chief of Police in Fort Worth,
Texas, His selection was kept under wraps until a Fort Worth Councilman leaked
it to a Dallas Newspaper. His confirmation starts in January. Here’s what he faces
not enough officers, record breaking overtime, murder rate over 300 people and
a consent decree that still leaves the community distrusting the police. <o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Det. Sean Suiters death – There is something that just
doesn’t feel right about this Detective’s death. He dies a day before he was
supposed to testify in the Gun Trace Taskforce federal grand jury case 2017.
The shooting happen in the Harlem Park neighborhood of Baltimore. Detective
Suiter was investigating a cold case when he was allegedly shot by an unknown
assailant. Police shutdown the neighborhood for a week, a $215,000 reward was
offered, and conflicting statements from police. An <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-ci-suiter-irb-suicide-20180827-story.html" target="_blank">independent panel</a> of police
from outside the city said, it appears he died from a “self-inflicted wound.”
His widow is not buying the story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. The Gun Trace Task Force – people in Baltimore were not
surprised when eight members of this elite force were indicted and found guilty
of <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-gttf-corruption-commission-20180313-story.html" target="_blank">federal racketeering</a>. It was as if they were a gang, robbing drug dealers,
keeping money collected in raids, setting up people for illegal arrest and
reselling the drugs. The stories told on the witness stand were unbelievable.
It has allowed a number of people who were convicted by this group to go free.
The irony, no one in the command staff knew it was occurring. <o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Women in Power – When the Maryland Legislature convenes
in January there will be more female legislators than ever before. Many of
these ladies are new comers who ran not because they are of a different gender
but because they are looking to make change. Once again there is this irony,
the entire United States Congressional delegation is made up of men. What’s wrong
with this picture?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-5c195498/turbine/bal-ph-ho-cf-2018-poy-20181218-pg-080/750/750x422" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-5c195498/turbine/bal-ph-ho-cf-2018-poy-20181218-pg-080/750/750x422" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="112" width="200" /></a>4. Election Results 2018 – While Governor Hogan was able to
remain in office, the same cannot be said for members of the GOP who thought
they may succeed him. In County Executive races, several large jurisdictions Baltimore, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties were able to beat back Republican candidates. In Prince
Georges and Howard Counties there were first. Prince Georges County elected its
first Black female leader, Angela Alsobrooks and Howard County elected its
first African-American chief executive Calvin Ball.<br />
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3. Governor Larry Hogan – “Aw Shucks,” is how I have
described the current Maryland Governor’s demeanor. There was never any doubt
Governor Hogan was going to re-elected (an average of polls showed he had
between 60-70% approval ratings). He amassed campaign contributions, understood
the Presidents lack of popularity in the state, and getting a candidate he
could easily define. I actually think he enjoys being Governor (at least for
the next four years). The Governor hoped to bring in additional Republican
legislators to help with governing, but it didn’t happen. He is the first
Republican Governor to be re-elected since the 1960’s<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Ellicott City Flooding – It started as a bright sunny
afternoon on May 27, 2018 at Patapsco State Park celebrating my son’s dual
graduations (one from Tennessee State University – B.S., and Wagner College – Masters).
The sky darkened, rain and lightning came. We were lucky, we continued under a
shelter. An hour before things ended a ranger came to the shelter. She
suggested we might want to end early because a bridge across the Patapsco River
was washed out and there was flash flooding. When we arrived home we watched in
horror as flooding from the Patapsco River and its tributaries washed out large
parts of the Ellicott City Main Street and Oella. A former military officer who
was trying to save a woman from the raging waters was sweep away and drowned. This
wasn’t supposed to happen a second according to County Executive Alan
Kittleman. One person died and it’s likely what cause Kittleman to lose
re-election.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Capital Gazette Shooting – Time Magazine chose the
Journalist who were killed and those who survived at the Annapolis newspaper as
their Person(s) of the Year. I concur. As a journalist, I look over my shoulder
often. The President has given license to those whose mental capacities may be
diminished. I hope as you read this, and you assess what do to make ends meet
you never have to wonder if someone will take your life away.</span><br />
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<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-57111726622009259142018-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:002019-01-18T16:57:02.771-08:00Maryland is Different<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z2F3lKEHJ7VWu5XK5Onzp7jdgQaJmLqzN7XHUvf81rl7kvB5SF_kT2-_rhl_EB5VuY1Nn6pS6fh2hX1YIyUj1m3TpF1ONMVY9xgLBn_pXs7UYMZ8ATA7naEJIcf1hfzab3xLcjASbuRA/s1600/20181106_171915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z2F3lKEHJ7VWu5XK5Onzp7jdgQaJmLqzN7XHUvf81rl7kvB5SF_kT2-_rhl_EB5VuY1Nn6pS6fh2hX1YIyUj1m3TpF1ONMVY9xgLBn_pXs7UYMZ8ATA7naEJIcf1hfzab3xLcjASbuRA/s320/20181106_171915.jpg" width="240" /></a>(Owings Mills, MD) “I’m going to vote for Jealous, but I
know he is going to lose,” is a sentiment I heard often while covering the
Maryland Gubernatorial election of 2018. But after that, the people who would
tell me who they voted for made this admission, “I want to send a message,”
that’s what I heard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UwmjVeDQyhspeVUZPFKO1yWVPPK0afONH_31veAZuJobc_2VhiGzG8_dcU8WyQsUPljJMeqRsQ6OXG-BprMoDZBdTvs-qOEEsLutFbSVS7hUq3hE9Zwkzu2Q6kVRWvH5zZDaDYOC0hMv/s1600/20180530_144443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UwmjVeDQyhspeVUZPFKO1yWVPPK0afONH_31veAZuJobc_2VhiGzG8_dcU8WyQsUPljJMeqRsQ6OXG-BprMoDZBdTvs-qOEEsLutFbSVS7hUq3hE9Zwkzu2Q6kVRWvH5zZDaDYOC0hMv/s320/20180530_144443.jpg" width="320" /></a>This was a message election which spilled into the state.
It manifested itself with early voting, was it enough? Trump’s name wasn’t on
the ballot, but he was on their minds. I jokingly said, “Will Maryland have an
Ocean City Wave, a Blue Wave or a Tsunami.” Turnout was the key. Democratic
nominee Ben Jealous said as much when he came to Maryland Public Television
prior to General Election.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we (Jealous
Campaign) can have a million voter’s turnout for the election I have a chance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishful thinking or shrewd strategy? Looking back at the
Jealous and Gov. Larry Hogan campaigns they had different goals. For Governor
Hogan, it was about not expending more cash or energy than necessary, limit
debate opportunities, play to strengths, and have a closing argument which
could have coattails. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For Jealous it was about nationalizing the race,
maximizing voter turnout in the democratic strongholds and paint the governor
as an extremist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each man used different methods to reach their goals, but
there can only be one winner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Hogan had to expend little energy during the
Republican primary. He ran ads touting his accomplishments and laying the
foundation for a second term. The Governor thought his Democratic challenger
would be Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker. Baker was the choice of
the establishment Democratic Party in the state. The Prince George’s County
candidates name recognition was limited to the Washington suburbs, so he spent
an inordinate time in the Baltimore metro area. What he was unprepared for was
the Jealous’ ground game. Jealous also defined himself via TV ads. The Republican Governors Association wasted no time airing ads right after his nomination in
the general election. Jealous had no money left to counter being defined as
“extreme and a socialist.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What Larry Hogan Got Right</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Hogan’s rise to the top came at time when
Maryland voters were tired of democratic control of state. The political novice
was and is shrewd. In a two to one democratic state Hogan knew using a national
Republican playbook was not going to work. While surrounding states (Virginia,
New Jersey, West Virginia and Pennsylvania) had trended to the GOP, he knew it
wasn’t going to work. Instead his idea was to appeal to the “every-man” idea.
What I am talking about is Hogan was the kind of guy who you might have a beer
with in a bar. I like to call him, the “Aw shucks Governor.” He also rejected
Republican touchstone issues (abortion, school choice etc…) to prove it, he
bucked the national party and only embrace New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s
model. Governor Christie’s tactic of lowering taxes, ending bureaucracy, and
becoming business friendly. The catch phrase of his first campaign was “ending
the rain tax.” A populist move that few could disagree with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once in office he found his perfect foil, the Maryland
Legislature. With super majorities he could run against them calling them
obstructionist. But what put Hogan over the top, was sympathy he received after
being diagnosed with cancer. Despite being in the hospital receiving
chemotherapy Hogan spent hours doing work from his hospital bed. This lead to a
nearly 60 percent approval rating in a “blue state.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He also found an issue which crossed party lines, the
opioid crisis. Look, heroin addiction has been in Maryland since the 1920’s. It
was confined to inner city Baltimore. Hundreds were hooked on the drug and help
fuel a crime wave to feed a habit from the 60’s through the 70’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When the drug came to the suburbs in the 80’s and 90’s killing
white kids and adults it was serious for this politician. It was a dirty little
secret no was paying attention to and wasn’t just affecting major population
areas but was an epidemic in places like Cumberland, Hagerstown, and Frederick,
Washington, Carroll, Cecil and Queen Anne’s Counties. These jurisdictions saw
people turn to the heroin because they were unable to keep up with their
OxyContin dependencies. I was initially suspect. It changed when Governor Hogan,
said he was personally affected when a cousin overdosed after years of
addiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Under the radar Governor Hogan through his Lieutenant
Governor Boyd Rutherford cultivated something the Maryland Democratic Party
never embraced, Black Business. Despite years of “lip service,” minority set
asides had gone from hard targets to simply goals. The whole idea of the state
having minority vendors had become a mess. This entrepreneurial class has
embraced anyone who would listen to their plight and actually make a
difference. Enter the Maryland GOP. The governor’s embrace of a “business first
mentality” was perfect for this group. African-American entrepreneurs are
lukewarm to embrace the party’s social policies, but they are “all in” on
getting a seat at the table. They ended up having this group to themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So why are 30 percent of African-American voters drawn to
Governor Hogan? This group was half this size in his first run. They are collection
of voters who are discussed at the idea "Democrats have Black people’s interest
at heart." You saw this at the end of the O’Malley administration, when the idea
of locking people up (mostly African-Americans) for nuisance crimes was policy
in Baltimore. Add to this disinvestment in communities of color. The “Baltimore
Uprising” was literally the last straw and how former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie
Rawlings Blake was nowhere to be found during at its height. They may have
whispered their support in the past, but now you see it. The Leaders of a
Beautiful Struggle sided with Hogan in his first run. The closing political ad
featuring Bmore News founder, Doni Glover, saying “Governor Hogan showed up and
it wasn’t his first time.” The ad laid bare and full view of an
anti-establishment critic endorsement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Shhh, Ben Jealous is Running for Maryland Governor. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In a crowded primary field Ben Jealous was the perfect
“I’m not a politician candidate.” The problem is this type of candidacy would
have worked four years ago, but was an anathema in an era which gave us
President Donald Trump. Was he qualified? His turnaround of the national office
of the NAACP was laudable, but no one had ever voted for him for anything. It
is true all politics are local.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So a surrogate for Presidential candidate Bernie Saunders
national campaign saw a clear path to victory by nationalizing a gubernatorial
race and its disgust with Washington, DC. It worked in the primary enabling
Jealous to raise money outside the state. This allowed him to be the first up with
television with ads, allowing him to define himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What Maryland politicians saw and understood from this,
“he didn’t need them.” Great for an insurgent campaign but not for coalescing
the state’s power brokers to embrace your run. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its manifestation came in what can be best
described as “non-endorsements.” Hogan trotted out a number of former
Democratic leaders to endorse his campaign (most were people who were beyond
their expiration date). You know it’s telling when the states Comptroller Peter
Franchot says, he “will not endorse you, but not campaign against you.” (What
the hell?). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even more telling after the primary, Prince George’s
County Executive Rushern Baker delays embracing your campaign and Montgomery
County Executive Ike Leggit questions your platform of “Medicaid for All.” Leggit asks, "How will pay for it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop. These are
two leading African-American leaders in the state (Baltimore Mayor Catherine
Pugh is the other) and they are already questioning your policies in the state
(In my ESPN voice “C’mon Man!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Race is a delicate issue. Some politicians use it to
their advantage, others discount it and lay claim to being the best candidate
in the race. Jealous is a product of a bi-racial marriage. His parents were
forced to move to California where he grew up but spent his summers in Baltimore
with his grandparents (Hogan suggested he didn’t live in the state but he
does).His time at the NAACP has gave him a close up look at the "mean and nasty" regarding race. Nowhere did he ever embrace the notion of being the first
African-American governor of the state of Maryland and what it would mean. It
was understood internally it would turn off white voters embracing his
campaign. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Crying you’re "being treated unfairly" is not a political
strategy. The Jealous organization to counter being out spent tried to go
around the ads defining him to the public. News organizations love an underdog
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we often want to hear your
thoughts about scurrilous claims. On August 8, 2018, Washington Post Political
Reporter Erin Cox asked Jealous “Whether he identified with the term
“socialist,” as his political opponent, Gov. Larry Hogan (R), has labeled him.
‘Are you f---ing kidding me?,’ Jealous responded.” This was an endorsement event, and
left those in attendance with mouths open. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Look these are challenges a traditional campaign would
have thought through. This is big boy politics where your narrative is key and
people have to see themselves in you. During this campaign I did not see an air
of “desperation.” Politicians who I’ve seen be successful have this sense they
are losing and must talk to everyone who will listen. Those who won’t listen to
you still reach out them because you can believe you can persuade them. If you
don’t persuade them they must come away with an idea that you are competent. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Debates</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to the debate/s. My office Maryland Public
Television MPT has a stellar reputation as being the host for statewide
debates. I was fortunate to be selected to be a part of the Democrat Primary
debate at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. During this session I got candidate
Jealous to admit how he was going to pay for “Free College Tuition.” “I’m going
to tax the highest ten percent tax payers in the state.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we awaited word on the General Election debate
Governor Hogan announced he would do two debates in September. Jealous
countered with having five in October. In the end we were left with just one
debate at MPT on September 24, 2018. The planning for the debate was
coordinated by the two campaigns (sitting or standing, how close the podiums
will be, opening/closing statements). It was agreed there would be five
panelist. Both camps were given a single veto over who could be a questioner.
This is where things get tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both camps were concerned about previous
questioners in the primary (including yours truly, Jane Miller – WBAL-TV, and
Clarence Mitchell IV WBAL Radio). We were out. It was agreed to have two the
leading newspapers in the state participate but the Hogan camp insisted that
there be a reporter from the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland. Earlier during
the campaign it didn’t help that Jealous had to retract several debate
decisions.<br />
<br />
He suggested that Tamela Baker of the Herald-Mail in Hagerstown
should be remove. He ended up retracting the idea. Not a good look. He also
suggested Maryland Reporter.com was a right-wing website. Hmmm! That’s a
stretch.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So where do we go from here? My quick assessment is this
will be the last time Democrats in Maryland nominate a Black candidate. The failure
to deliver in two elections cycles is telling. I don’t think this will be the
right choice but it will send the message.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lastly, for the next four years the GOP will expand the
landscape in Maryland. Here’s the rub, "who is waiting in the wings."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-8958127545318052782018-06-27T04:49:00.001-07:002018-06-27T08:03:30.151-07:00The Restlessness<br />
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(Baltimore, MD) The wave of voter restlessness struck
Maryland by rejecting a well-respected Prince George’s County Executive in
favor of a former Civil Rights leader. Say what you will about a crowded Democratic
field but Ben Jealous, the former NAACP Leader, was able to mobilize his base
and found much needed campaign funds outside of Maryland to get out the gate
first and get up on television before he could be defined. The "wave election" has sweep in
progressives and candidates with political pedigrees are out. Jealous touted
his leadership credentials at the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, efforts to remove the death penalty and approved gay marriage in the state.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The victory was almost overshadowed by election problems
in Baltimore City where several polling locations didn’t open on time. An
emergency order by a judge allowed polls to stay open until 9 pm. The other
major snafu was the Department of Motor Vehicle Department (MVA) not updating
its system to the Board of Elections. It’s estimated this may affected as many
as 80,000 voters. “<span style="background: white;">The leadership of the Motor
Vehicle Administration and the Board of Elections must immediately demonstrate
that they have the capacity to accurately explain the size and impact of the
problem and fix this violation of the public trust or they must make room for
leaders who are able to restore confidence in Maryland elections,” said Rev.
Kobi Little, a spokesman for the NAACP's Maryland State Conference President,
Gerald Stansbury.</span>” The investigation is expected to begin next week ensuring there isn’t a re-occurrence during the General Election.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsfdOLlduUS4VUUlBbK0HhT3gG4tAQnFWbFnePyewVN5YIXFFC4FwbFubI3h9jdctZFuTqX-JNrAn0mM1huQIrvXg82dEeT_NfXx5jVyj75IR9KSLK43rrQ8w_tZasLcnt4TZEsNFKv1-/s1600/Jealous+Victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsfdOLlduUS4VUUlBbK0HhT3gG4tAQnFWbFnePyewVN5YIXFFC4FwbFubI3h9jdctZFuTqX-JNrAn0mM1huQIrvXg82dEeT_NfXx5jVyj75IR9KSLK43rrQ8w_tZasLcnt4TZEsNFKv1-/s320/Jealous+Victory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The story of this election was about the rejection of those who
have served to long. Not only did it affect the governor’s race but it spilled
into the Maryland Senate race in Baltimore and other parts of the state. Out
are Maryland Senators Nathaniel McFadden, Barbara Robinson, and Joan Carter
Conway to name some in the upper chamber. In the lower chamber, the House of
Delegates, longtime Judiciary Chairman Joseph Vallerio was defeated in Southern Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Jealous, if he wins, would become the first Black governor
of the state of Maryland. Appealing to racial solidarity in the “old line state,”
has its positives and dangers. For the positive, it would send a unique signal
that old style politics in the state have outlived its usefulness. Party bosses
will not dictate this elections outcome. It is likely to energize young voters
who want a seat at the table. Lastly, there will not be a lethargic electorate
which helped to suppress voting totals in traditional strongholds for Democrats.
I already know that Sundays will be spent in churches, a place where Jealous is
very comfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The danger for the Civil Rights leader is being defined by
Governor Larry Hogan who easily won his primary because he had no challenger. “It
isn’t about them…it’s about a referendum on the job we’re doing,” said Hogan.
It didn’t take long for the Governor’s supporters to begin to strike back. It
began with a press release from the Republican Governor’s Association.</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: #fefefe; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: #fefefe; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Ben Jealous’ radical views make him unfit to
serve as governor,” said RGA Communications Director Jon Thompson. “Ben Jealous
is promising to systematically undo all of the progress Maryland has made over
the past four years by hiking taxes to never-before-seen levels in order to
fund his radical pie-in-the-sky spending plans. Voters will reject Jealous’
ill-conceived plans this November and keep Maryland on its current path of more
jobs, a stronger economy and better schools.”</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm6fZ9j3fm_NdO9G4cXhh-YVLhISV5YLv4E14rxrPScRF2sO5i7itwkDiz_olIrqNxumlKWwgtFxxMSjYJ-P0dzWSjNlfFZSciHQiUKrDj76ACdvSos5B1NhHNLoKteaZsJ4nkv_SWdwm/s1600/MD-Jealous-RGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm6fZ9j3fm_NdO9G4cXhh-YVLhISV5YLv4E14rxrPScRF2sO5i7itwkDiz_olIrqNxumlKWwgtFxxMSjYJ-P0dzWSjNlfFZSciHQiUKrDj76ACdvSos5B1NhHNLoKteaZsJ4nkv_SWdwm/s320/MD-Jealous-RGA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A second press release came from a former Democratic
Committee Chairman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Democratic Party Chairman Nate
Landow in response to Ben Jealous winning the Democratic primary election for
governor:<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It is imperative that Democratic
voters who value moderation, fiscal responsibility and functional government
support Governor Larry Hogan in the general election. His record of sensible,
bipartisan reform and his genuine decency is the antidote for what ails our
politics today. He stands in stark contrast to the irresponsible and extreme
ideas of Ben Jealous.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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These are coded words and issues. The Root writer, Damon
Young, who writes under the section of “VerySmartBrothas,” pointed this out in
his recent column called, “<a href="https://verysmartbrothas.theroot.com/30-ways-white-people-say-black-people-without-actually-1827146564" target="_blank">30 Ways White People Say Black People Without Actually Saying Black People</a>..” Here are a couple of observations we’re
likely to hear; “high crime neighborhood, gang related, and d<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">epressed
neighborhood/school/people/population</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We talked with the people,” said Jealous who held his victory
celebration at the Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland of African-American History
and Culture. He continued to point out his difference with the governor and
welcomed the opportunity to litigate his case to the voters of Maryland. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m running to the people of Maryland.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Next Steps<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Raising Money, is paramount. Governor Hogan has at least 9
million dollars in cash on hand for the general election. Conversely, Jealous is
reportedly down to about $100,000. To reverse this trend there are several
unity events scheduled to coalesce the losers with the Democratic Gubernatorial
Nominee. It includes the arrival of former Vice President Joe Biden this
weekend for a fundraiser. Like the primary, I’m expecting to see a number of
early supporters for Jealous. Including U.S. Senators Corey Booker (NJ), Sen.
Kamala Harris (California), and Sen. Bernie Saunders (VT). They’ve already made
their presence known and I expect them to double down on this early bet.
Celebrity wise, comedian, Dave Chappelle has appeared and he is likely to
convince others to get on the train.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I don’t know how many debates we’re likely to see but it
should be spirited. I can tell you having only two people on a stage will allow
questioners to drill down on issues you can’t get with a large field. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a fly on the wall, I'd love to hear both candidates working on their one liners and sharpen their attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-26220552639706313602018-05-30T17:15:00.001-07:002018-06-01T08:05:34.150-07:00What Maryland Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Aren’t Talking About?<br />
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(Arlington, VA) – “Your Voice, Your Future,” was theme
for the second Maryland Democratic Gubernatorial Debate. Held at the WJLA Channel 7/
News Channel 8, the Sinclair Broadcasting Groups, location in the Rosslyn
section of Arlington (Wait, this debate for the Governor of Maryland is being
held in Virginia?).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unlike the previous debate which I personally participated in, this included Ralph Jaffe, a perennial candidate. Kia Jackson. the moderator, held a close grip on time with this large group. The candidates had a one
minute opening statement but not a closing statement. A new twist was a 30 second
rebuttal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DedNNSJXUAEVXH6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-aria-label-part="" height="200" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DedNNSJXUAEVXH6.jpg" style="top: -61px;" width="150" /></a>Before I get into the quotes and arguments it is clear
the televised the debates have focused a majority of time on Baltimore/Baltimore
County issues. Left by the wayside are the varied pressing issues in Western
Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Democrats have abandoned the party because of
this and a number of them are supporting the Republican Governor (it’s borne
out in polls).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now for the lines and the attacks:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Once again Governor Larry Hogan is main focus of
all the candidates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Racial tensions were the line of questioning from two of the
panelist. How to solve this problem was varied. Memorable lines came from state
Sen. Richard Madaleno, “hurt people, hurt.” Jim Shea, “we’ve allowed the
extremes on both sides to take over conversations.” Alec Ross, “Before the
justice system failed, the education system failed.”</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The recent flooding in Ellicott City was a
subject everyone coalesced around. Rebuilding the historic city was high on all
the candidates’ agenda.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The attacks against the governor centered on
education funding and how Governor Hogan went after jurisdictions lead by
Democrats (Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince Georges’
County).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A question about how much is spent on educating
kids in Baltimore shifted the discussion. Quotes were all over the place.
Valeria Erving, “We are not going to spend our way out of this problem.” Ben
Jealous on the lack of funding, “Till we fully fund our schools…we will not be
able see improvements.” Rushern Baker cut to the real issue, “When they say
it’s not about money, it is.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are couple of observations. Valerie Ervin says she
has filed suit in Annapolis Circuit Court to get her name on the ballot. She received
support from Alec Ross, Richard Jaffe, and a surprised endorsement from Ben
Jealous. Ervin has accused Jealous of causing her to lose a job, and stopping
Ervin from become a Lt. Governor candidate. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Was pleasantly surprise to see Ervin looking more
gubernatorial (dark rimmed glasses, white blazer, Black blouse and no “Black
Girls Rock” button)?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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At the time of the debate airing, the Washington Capitals
will be playing the Golden Knights of Las Vegas. Pandering to that audience
Senator Madaleno said he was a Capitals fan (no one else picked up on the
idea).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now back to this idea the debates have been Baltimore centric.
Senator Madaleno, “I’ve tried to answer the questions from a statewide perspective.”
“There is a reason for it,” says Baker, “Baltimore is the most important city
in the state…no governor has approached Baltimore City the way Governor Hogan
has. He acts like it doesn’t exist.”</div>
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<br />
Connecting to voters is key, some believe if we can solve
Baltimore’s problems they will transfer to the state. Jealous suggests, “We
have to solve the tough kitchen table issues affecting families.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The large panels clearly aren’t allowing anyone to
distinguish themselves. Those with the financial wherewithal are defining
themselves via radio and television ads in the Baltimore metro area. It’s more
expensive to do so in the Washington metro area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-61506611979215824452018-02-15T13:01:00.001-08:002018-02-15T13:01:14.951-08:00Shifting Politics: DC SuburbsAnnapolis, MD - The center of Maryland Politics has been shifting for years. The DC suburbs of Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties want to flex their muscles. Its tough but the numbers of voters bear out that the pair of counties which trend Democratic want a say. It's also one of the most diverse portions of the state with large minorities of African-Americans, Latino's, Muslim, and Asian communities. The former power structure still wants a say on who can lead and who should be chosen. Some voters are having any of it. Its pitting the old guard against a group of upstarts which keep asking/telling anyone, "its my turn." <br />
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Who better to ask about this other than Bruce DePuyt of Maryland Matters (www.marylandmatters.org). The new website has a cagey bunch of veterans including founder Josh Kurtz (formerly of the Maryland Gazette), Bill Zorzi (formerly of the Baltimore Sun).<br />
<br />
In this edition of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-from-the-pit-bruce-depuyt" target="_blank">Live from the Pit</a> we talk about the emergence of the DC suburbs. We also delve into the hotly contested races for County Executive in both jurisdictions. If you're fan please follow and don't be afraid to suggest guest.<br />
<br />
Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-23854064166041520892018-02-09T08:16:00.000-08:002018-02-09T08:16:27.265-08:00The Politics of CrimeAnnapolis - "Three strikes and you're out" was not a baseball game for those caught in the crack epidemic of the 80's. The get tough measures of the war on drugs left many who came back to the same communities with little to no chance to be reincorporated back into society. An arrest record was a second prison sentence to meaningful employment. That was the 80's and now is 2018.<br />
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The get tough on crime lobby and the Hogan Administration has targeted repeat violent offenders. I'm not against having those who maim and murder citizens from being given tougher sentences. I know from covering crime that what one person does when they are younger they aren't likely to do when they reach a certain age. Cue the "OG" anthem.<br />
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Balance is more appropriate. We went through this. Dayvon Love, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, has been listening we talk about the how and why in this edition of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-from-pit-dayvon-love" target="_blank">"Live from the Pit." </a><br />
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Now for a shameless plug. On Saturday, February 24, 2018 11 am, I will be hosting a screening of Black Panther, at the Hoyt's Nursery Road Theaters in Linthicum, MD. Its located at 1591 Nursery Road. The price is $15. I will have special guest who will join me afterwards for a unique Q and A. There will a light reception at Ruby Tuesdays following the movie.<br />
You can go this <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-panter-screening-reception-host-alpha-phi-alpha-kpl-tickets-42846521098?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button" target="_blank">Panther Evite</a> or pay on site.Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-64232744051826257772018-02-02T13:08:00.000-08:002018-02-02T13:14:22.433-08:00Gauging the Democratic Gubernatorial Field in MarylandTowson, MD - <b>Live from the Pit</b>, hit the road. On site at the Goucher College for the Young Voters Forum featuring the Democratic candidates who want to replace current Governor Larry Hogan (R). It's clear from Mileah Kromer, the Polling Director, for the Sarah T. Hughes Politics Center, Governor Hogan is popular (62%). The interesting part of her polling, should he continue as Governor drops to just under 50%. Why? She hopes to dig down on this issue in her next poll.<br />
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<b>The Forum</b><br />
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So if you noticed from the picture, Rushern Baker, Prince Georges County Executive is not on the stage. Baker remains the front runner among most of the field. Each one of the candidates vying to lead the Democratic nominee has qualities you may like, conversely there are a number of challenges for each of these individuals. Let me suggest there is a lot of opposition research on each of them by the Hogan administration (not unusual). <br />
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"Despite what you've heard we aren't only interested in legalization of marijuana," according to Ashely Alyward, a Goucher College student. It gets a giggle from the audience. As the candidates are peppered with questions, you realize there is more to this age group. There were solid questions about providing tax breaks for Amazon; the issue of day #MeToo was addressed; holding police accountable for wrongdoing; and student debt/college affordable. The answers were enlightening. This is still a strange feeling on the stage. In our current environment, having no experience seems to an asset. Those with experience must tread lightly. I still point to the visual, seven people on the stage looking for one job...to take on a popular governor.<br />
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Looking at trends in recent elections this would appear to be a good year for Democrats...maybe?<br />
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Take a listen to <b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-from-the-pit-with-mileah-kromer" target="_blank">Live from the Pit</a> </b>with Mileah Kromer.Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-31490439862257324882018-01-24T20:24:00.000-08:002018-01-24T20:26:04.830-08:00Live From the Pit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Annapolis - The beginning of the year marks the start of the Maryland General Assembly. While you would expect harmony its been anything but that. Governor Larry Hogan suggested "politics should not cloud the session." Well you throw that out the window. It began with the introduction of the 2019 Budget. Governor Hogan previewed his priorities but failed to alert the legislative leaders. The "Mike's" took as a slight, so they didn't show up for a breakfast meeting. It led to some name calling and mistrust.<br />
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For the next couple of weeks you'll hear from news makers, journalist and others on this years session. I call the podcast, "Live from the Pit." Its where I work in Annapolis. You can respond here or on twitter @C3newsman.<br />
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Here goes, hold on to your hat.<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/live-in-the-pit-1" target="_blank">Live From the Pit</a>Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-41908723068742014122017-12-27T14:30:00.000-08:002017-12-28T10:01:25.725-08:00End of the Year MSM Top 10 Stories<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p>The politics of Maryland is always evolving. Because its close to Washington, DC its often a precursor to national trends. While there are lot of stories which I could have chosen, I whittled it down to just ten. Some will agree, others may point to stories that should have made my list. Simple, if you don't like this list, create your own. Love comments and different points of view.</o:p></div>
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10. No Redline but Transit Overhaul – Governor Hogan staved
off criticism of canceling the Redline<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gov. Larry Hogan</td></tr>
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(east west light rail system in
Baltimore) for a total redo of the Baltimore MTA System. Overnight the system
went from a number system to a color system. Some routes were changed and others
were eliminated. Price tag $135 million. The biggest problem in the state are
its Beltways and Interstate roads (I-695, I-495, and I- 95). These are some of
the most congested roadways in America. Solution <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-hogan-baltimore-transportation-20171219-story.html" target="_blank">create toll roads to speed traffic.</a><br />
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9. Governor Larry Hogan’s Popularity – You don’t have to
like it, but the <a href="http://blogs.goucher.edu/intheloop/9638/goucher-poll-hogan-remains-popular-marylanders-divided-on-fracking-ban/" target="_blank">governor gets praise from his base and Democrats</a>. Governor
Hogan has cultivated a "every man" approach to governing in a “Blue State.” He
shunned going to the GOP Presidential convention in Cleveland. He did not
endorse nor voted for President Donald Trump. One thing you won’t find is a
picture of the two men together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHNw3zBJmx_0W8EQ63G07x05WqBtpk3JmQx2b1_vwyFnINkkIzuRbShBFFgeNe97KrsK58NsXtgyID8VJ0bRynBiNVeSRLcVcBWhr-o_kx1fc1DSbSsOooS53AwXsiKwKld_9RzZ0bdH_/s1600/20170306_112007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHNw3zBJmx_0W8EQ63G07x05WqBtpk3JmQx2b1_vwyFnINkkIzuRbShBFFgeNe97KrsK58NsXtgyID8VJ0bRynBiNVeSRLcVcBWhr-o_kx1fc1DSbSsOooS53AwXsiKwKld_9RzZ0bdH_/s200/20170306_112007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORpibbwjUas6Z-_UMly6vAXGdw6bHs1yvboBXlmxiXpJ2BSfuLjqPPatnYaLHHM1fuPgNBBm5_XspCj7Hnp6m0pVR7_Xx8ox5jjhFDaOMg7SWqydBT96pJV484PbawMhJ2G8rKAew_Mgp/s1600/20170818_015658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORpibbwjUas6Z-_UMly6vAXGdw6bHs1yvboBXlmxiXpJ2BSfuLjqPPatnYaLHHM1fuPgNBBm5_XspCj7Hnp6m0pVR7_Xx8ox5jjhFDaOMg7SWqydBT96pJV484PbawMhJ2G8rKAew_Mgp/s200/20170818_015658.jpg" width="150" /></a>8. Everything Taney – Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger
Taney, a Marylander, had number of statues around the state (Frederick,
Baltimore, and Annapolis). His name appears on a number of buildings. Judge
Taney’s claim to fame was his decision in the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Dred-Scott-decision" target="_blank">Dred Scott Case.</a> Was it time to rethink Taney’s legacy and
those monuments to the Confederacy? <a href="https://marylandstateofmind.blogspot.com/2017/09/everything-changed-after-charlottesville.html" target="_blank">Charlottesville, Virginia was shot heard around the nation and the time was now to remove them.</a></div>
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7. Corruption – The list of politicians continues to
grow. Some political figures see their elections as a license to benefit
financially. The list includes <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/maryland-state-senator-indicted-additional-obstruction-justice-charge" target="_blank">Sen. Nate Oaks</a> (will remain in office while trial continues), former Dels. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/in-operation-dry-saloon-fbi-confronted-md-delegate-with-bribery-allegations-in-a-college-park-hotel/2017/12/19/ba4f5aee-d9f3-11e7-b1a8-62589434a581_story.html?tid=ss_fb&utm_term=.16d7cf8d2f23" target="_blank">Michael Vaughn and Will Campo</a> (both resigned from the legislature) were indicted on wire fraud, conspiracy and
bribery in connection with a kickback scheme with liquor store owners. </div>
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6. The young guns are coming – From Baltimore (City and County), Prince
Georges County and Montgomery County a new crop of young politicians is no
longer going to wait its turn. The infusion of new blood is always welcomed in
politics, but the entrenched often go kicking and screaming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Keep the Pedal to the Metal – Economically – Maryland is
in that unique sweet spot. It’s close to Washington, DC, it has an industrial
base, cutting edge technological companies and home to one of the hottest athletic
apparel companies. With a highly educated work force, the state is insulated
from the whims of the economy. Expansion
seemed to touch various sectors, Marriott in Rockville, Under Armour in
Baltimore, and the possibility of having Amazon establish it second
headquarters in the state have a number of communities salivating. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. The Opioid/Fentanyl Crisis – When Opioids and Heroin
found its way to the suburbs, things got real. Baltimore City has had a heroin
problem since the 1940’s. Solution, lock people up. Now the answer is
treatment. The introduction of fentanyl has exacerbated the problem. Counties
like Anne Arundel, Harford, Charles, Allegany and others have seen drug
overdoses double. There aren’t enough treatment centers for those caught in
addiction. It’s not just a Maryland problem, it’s a national problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Eight Dems v. GOP Governor – We know Gov. Hogan’s
popularity, but could you name any of his potential challengers? <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2017/09/17/tip-sheet-on-the-democratic-candidates-for-governor/" target="_blank">They are a varied group</a>. Several are first time politicians (Ben Jealous, Jim Shea, Alec
Ross, Maya Rockeymore Cummings, and Krishantl Vignarajah). There are three who’ve
held political office (County Executives Kevin Kamentz and Rushern Baker, and
State Senator Richard Madaleno). In a
year where Democrats are trending well going into 2018, one of this group needs
to breakout. The Governor doesn’t seem nervous even if the trends point to
rejecting the Republican brand. The group trying to succeed him will try and
tie him to President Trump. <o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Fall Out from Baltimore Police Det. Sean Suiter
killing. When Det. Suiter was shot and died on November 22, 2017 the police and
community were upset. The area where the incident occurred was on lock down for a week. Residents
were asked to show identification. Those who didn't lived in the area were turned
away. By the weeks end Police Commissioner Davis said, there was no connection
between his testimony the next day before a grand jury investigating police
corruption. There’s a $215,000 reward. The Commissioner asks for FBI to take
over the investigation. The FBI has rejected the offer.<i> </i>I don't want to diminish the nearly 300 + murders in Baltimore. This has to stop. To quote William
Shakespeare, “There is something wrong in Denmark.”</div>
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<b>Person the Year</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Devin Allen – This young man made his mark by capturing
the cover of Time Magazine during the “Baltimore Uprising.” He captured the
anger of a community which he knew well. This year he published a book of his
work called “A Beautiful Ghetto.” Allen is special. He’s part of group of young
men whom I met and listen to. They have their fingers on the pulse of the
streets. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-28533405471238710842017-09-20T06:45:00.000-07:002017-09-20T07:05:14.390-07:00Everything Changed After Charlottesville(Baltimore, MD) <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cites across the nation did not want a repeat of pro-confederate demonstrators clashing with protesters who saw the statues perpetuating the idea of southern sympathies, segregation and worst of all Nazi sympathizers. Baltimore became ground zero with Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh deciding to remove Confederate monuments overnight to avoid protesters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The move was </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">shrewd. It didn't quell the concerns which led to questions about what to do with the statue to Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney in Annapolis. Early on this blog I talked about the Taney and Dred Scott families reconciling. In a matter of days it was gone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Across the country a number of Confederate statues were removed. Was this a matter about re-writing history; righting a wrong or correcting the official record? I an conflicted by the removals. Get past the Civil War rewrite and the southern sympathizers. A lot of racist used this as a way to </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">legitimize</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> their beliefs. I reject any comparison. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Did I miss something? The south lost the war and the Civil War ended slavery. No country honors the losers. There was a collective rewriting of the Civil War by 1910. Edged on by the idea "The South will Rise Again." Civil Rights incensed those who wanted to control the growing Black middle class. Veterans coming back from a pair of World Wars were not going to be regulated to second class citizenship. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">But these statues were permanent markers. A signal of racial superiority that was legislated into law. Time has a weird way of equalizing the battlefield. Charlottesville and its imagery in August of 2017 turned the tide. Talk was already in the works to remove a statue of Supreme Court Chief Judge Roger Taney. Baltimore had a created commission to removed the statues. When it happen it started a "domino effect." I watched and listen and tried to compile how some saw the removal and perspective. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/charlesrobinson547/confederate-monument-removal-podcast/">https://www.mixcloud.com/charlesrobinson547/confederate-monument-removal-podcast/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxBmzJymSL4FPtwK1QPuUY005wuNFjxPaZzoDABaD5BiptMZ285_4sWwq4tctLc2T-UNOY4lBqlHGDtnGrcyhlHCWP3R1k_KoAZwP0rAjkazzGwnqiSvLPZa7ArPj5B-0mOPXdjdAs0I/s1600/20170306_112007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxBmzJymSL4FPtwK1QPuUY005wuNFjxPaZzoDABaD5BiptMZ285_4sWwq4tctLc2T-UNOY4lBqlHGDtnGrcyhlHCWP3R1k_KoAZwP0rAjkazzGwnqiSvLPZa7ArPj5B-0mOPXdjdAs0I/s320/20170306_112007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chief Judge Roger B.Taney which was at the entrance to the Maryland State House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF38e01nDh0DQbv4MChPCKVcC0sYUYMtaJ-RHfc8RBK0NlKh0hvM4T8FfwrI7OlFTOeroFz9EDFZiDzAU01o803JJE8cBkFhG1Ip2MtpuNLkpWfeSdDVvmK_cik14HJO4f1mJWUNcyrYY/s1600/20170818_114937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF38e01nDh0DQbv4MChPCKVcC0sYUYMtaJ-RHfc8RBK0NlKh0hvM4T8FfwrI7OlFTOeroFz9EDFZiDzAU01o803JJE8cBkFhG1Ip2MtpuNLkpWfeSdDVvmK_cik14HJO4f1mJWUNcyrYY/s320/20170818_114937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The statue gone replaced by a green box<br />
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Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-8251153750325741162017-04-13T10:54:00.000-07:002018-04-25T14:28:11.715-07:00Taney Scott Reconciliation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3PQcRYtZ88qf_XqfJbAOekA9EJycK5NJPc8mM2EJzqfzk5m_Aa0htFAzXDAfDV8lHhZzWjowGKqtQ3iaTpvteeLqO3YlzJwGNehcqQ_gOiQStF1E-782J1P9HEc4lcyuudgFpC_p0_3/s1600/20170306_112007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3PQcRYtZ88qf_XqfJbAOekA9EJycK5NJPc8mM2EJzqfzk5m_Aa0htFAzXDAfDV8lHhZzWjowGKqtQ3iaTpvteeLqO3YlzJwGNehcqQ_gOiQStF1E-782J1P9HEc4lcyuudgFpC_p0_3/s200/20170306_112007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
(Annapolis) On the grounds of the Maryland State House in Annapolis is a statue of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney. Judge Taney was the first Chief Judge from Maryland. He is well know for his decision in the case regarding a Missouri Slave by the name of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=imgres&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjv_eb_gKLTAhWm24MKHf3AA0UQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDred_Scott_v._Sandford&psig=AFQjCNGlQc7KH7fIc33K0lNxYakH9U8cAQ&ust=1492192665811499" target="_blank">Dred Scott</a>. Scott was taken by his slaveholder to various free states prior to the Civil War. Judge Taney writing for the majority said that no slave can be free. It was an affront to abolitionist who were trying to abolish slavery in the United States. It is literally a prelude to the Civil War.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fT4GAQAdZ6r7x4vXGfRaduDMX3DkswJPhigj4QQa9Ay_qLIhlpM0GN2iFS_mnu2qATLCLo0-bruvDB9KJSP1fWabQf1iWdEkKbEcnKnjNU9mWED0m8srZGMz9apLRidXlSOJ1OOrzzbJ/s1600/20170306_115346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fT4GAQAdZ6r7x4vXGfRaduDMX3DkswJPhigj4QQa9Ay_qLIhlpM0GN2iFS_mnu2qATLCLo0-bruvDB9KJSP1fWabQf1iWdEkKbEcnKnjNU9mWED0m8srZGMz9apLRidXlSOJ1OOrzzbJ/s200/20170306_115346.jpg" width="200" /></a>Following the war several southern sympathizing members of the Maryland Legislature made a decision to raise money to erect a statue to honor Judge Taney. They placed the monument at the front of the capital. There was talk at the time that the erection of the Taney statue would be an affront to the northern victory over the south.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh9UMnLSkn6InlT-c_Y-QrOmJX-3_oisEEfDmnigR_zIlpRymNGcs-kRsZIqqlsYT8VU_M0vPTdgJlKU5kyj7ADqB1Rq0shZ4nYTxsPWE7B7eFhz4svbp6wEkuWy0ZplVdi7bh7LI6UYg/s1600/20170306_115017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh9UMnLSkn6InlT-c_Y-QrOmJX-3_oisEEfDmnigR_zIlpRymNGcs-kRsZIqqlsYT8VU_M0vPTdgJlKU5kyj7ADqB1Rq0shZ4nYTxsPWE7B7eFhz4svbp6wEkuWy0ZplVdi7bh7LI6UYg/s200/20170306_115017.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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There have been several recent efforts to move the Taney statue. So you can imagine my surprise when I received word the relatives of the Taney family and the Scott family want to reconcile and do so in the shadow of Taney. I recorded what they said and how it happen.<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/taney-scott-reconciliation-by-charles-robinson" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/c3-newsman/taney-scott-reconciliation-by-charles-robinson</a><br />
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Here you can find an idea floated about what to do with the site.<br />
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<a href="http://frederickdouglass-rogertaney.com/" target="_blank">Moving Taney statue and adding Frederick Douglass</a>Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8136790625690370609.post-29881686727274305202016-12-30T14:59:00.000-08:002016-12-31T09:56:42.742-08:00Top Ten Maryland Stories of 2016<br />
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There were a lot of holdovers from 2015 and the biggest
players in the state, got bigger. The national political climate had little
effect on local politicians. As a simple disclaimer you are welcome to
disagree. In fact I encourage you to create your own list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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10. The loss of political power by women in Maryland. The
Maryland Congressional Delegation has no women and there are no female County
Executives. The top two women in the state are Nancy Kopp, the State Treasurer and Baltimore Mayor
Catherine Pugh. What’s really a lost Sen. Barbara Milkulski is leaving
the US Senate. Her feistiness enabled more women to enter politics and she was
seen as the Dean of Women Politicians. It’s even
worst on the GOP side. While Del. Kathy Szeliga (R) of Baltimore and Harford
Counties challenged for the US Senate. She ended up losing. The bench on the
Republican side isn’t deep. If there is a silver lining, women are becoming a
larger share of the Maryland Electorate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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9. Political Power
Shift to Washington Suburbs. We saw this coming. The draining of population
from Baltimore City and its overall influence on Maryland is waning. The
interesting part is Baltimore is still the state’s economic engine. You can’t
discount this. However, places like Montgomery County (the state’s wealthiest
district) and Howard County are demanding more for their tax dollars. I would
caution those who live around DC, be careful of flexing your political muscle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. Devastation of Ellicott City. We know how powerful
water can be and its potential destruction. We saw on July 30, 2016 what the
neglect of infrastructure can mean for a commercial district. I will not forget
water pushing cars down Main Street and the number of human rescues. County Executive Alan Kittleman vowed to rebuild and has
done it with the help of the state.</div>
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7. Rejecting Candidate Trump. Early on Governor Larry
Hogan was a supporter of New Jersey Governor Christ Christie's run for President
of the United States. When Governor Christie dropped out and endorsed Donald
Trump, Governor Hogan did not follow suit. Maryland’s Governor also skipped
the GOP Convention in Cleveland. What did Hogan gain? A 70 percent approval
rating. Those numbers will be used to squash any Democratic challenger as he
runs for a second term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. Chesapeake Bay – After years of doom and gloom the Bay got
a report card that was encouraging. The crab population increase by 35 %. Bay grasses
expanded by 21%. The numbers provided by <a href="http://www.cbfyearinreview.org/" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Foundation</a> (CBF) gave
the movement to “save the bay” momentum. I watched as CBF moved its oyster
recovery project to Baltimore City. The foundation was able to bring science to
the conversation without being preachy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Under Armour – Kevin Plank. Under Armour’s worldwide
headquarters is based in Baltimore. With investment resources and a large staff the apparel maker solidified its position as a major economic player in the city. They doubled
down in asking the cash strapped city for a 760 million dollars in tax
abatements to take over an industrial area called <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-sagamore-municap-20160422-story.html" target="_blank">Port Covington</a>. Critics
suggest the city gave away too much. The deal was modified to accommodate job
training, infrastructure, and the state kicked in some additional money. It was
the only train leaving the station and the city punch its ticket. <o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Transportation
– This is tricky. The Beltways, the Interstates, and well-traveled roads are in
need of repair. Philosophically, Gov. Larry Hogan decides what priorities to
push. For years it was about public transit. For the people who elected the
governor, they didn’t see the cost benefit in public transportation. New gas
taxes provide money to make either one of these transportation ideas possible (the governor wanted
to reduce the gas tax but couldn’t). At the beginning of the last legislative
session the Governor laid out a plan to provide road construction money to
rural areas and a conditionally green light to the Purple line in the Washington
suburbs. He summarily rejected the Red line in Baltimore calling it a “boondoggle.”
It angered the Baltimore delegation. The delegation help push through a scoring
plan for all road projects. It passed without the governor’s signature (This
year he’s made the repeal of the law his legislative priority). To squash the anger surrounding the rejection of the Red Line, the Maryland Transit Administration
(MTA) says it was going to redesign bus lines for Baltimore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsr7T4OO26Q_ZME-HoqEeVJetEFsBYIOMQRgr86g5toeIrA1v6AAOHjy5Nbi8RxtsvCzIcXcEL5Z3fzED4aMha8PK9iGL-99_CyUJNNN_wMyQDnqs4Fx0rp9G1TSTtydOHkTN-JBHuzry/s1600/Officer+exitign+MD+Court+of+Appeals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsr7T4OO26Q_ZME-HoqEeVJetEFsBYIOMQRgr86g5toeIrA1v6AAOHjy5Nbi8RxtsvCzIcXcEL5Z3fzED4aMha8PK9iGL-99_CyUJNNN_wMyQDnqs4Fx0rp9G1TSTtydOHkTN-JBHuzry/s200/Officer+exitign+MD+Court+of+Appeals.jpg" width="200" /></a>3. Fallout from Freddie Gray – The six Baltimore Police
Officers who were charged with Gray’s death dodged a bullet. Three were
acquitted of charges and the remaining three officers had their cases dismissed.
Weeks after the trial the US <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-findings-investigation-baltimore-police-department" target="_blank">Justice Department </a>who had been investigating the
Baltimore Police Department released a devastating report detailing civil
rights violations and a culture of indifference between the Police Department and
Black communities they serve. What we await is a consent decree which will fix
these problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Governor’s Race 2018 – Two years into his term,
Governor Larry Hogan has solidified his political footing in the state. As the second
Republican Governor in the modern era, he has confounded his critics and posted
the best approval numbers (70%) of any governor. He has chided potential
challengers (Kevin Kamenetz) and found an ally in Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Being a Republican in a Democratic state has not boded well for second terms.
If you ask me right now, Hogan is likely to win re-election.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Dysfunction in Annapolis – The rhetoric has ratcheted
up with name calling from the Legislative branch to the Executive Branch. While the
Governor sets the agenda, the Legislature sifts through the debris. The Appropriations Committees in both chambers has found money cut from the budget to fund additional
educational funding which the governor has rejected. This year the Governor
wanted something the legislature had control over, tax incentives. In return
for giving Northrup Gruman/Marriott Hotels favorable tax relief, the Governor
released more money to school districts. Sen. Mike Miller and Delegate Michael
Bush are cautious and they would like to make sure Governor Larry Hogan doesn’t
get a second term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Person of the Year</b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV8DrIiaX32IZ6OujcMMNMFw8p077y1-Ai6PEOILnaQi4fBMiOZgxxyTzBBS11x8x3VyTGD0ZTzJDMcZeQCVByMSFELGz7DTlxdHesscGXl-Omb4RBDTRuHgmO2nvOGr7tE6Nx8_v4H5F/s1600/P.Kenneth+Burns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV8DrIiaX32IZ6OujcMMNMFw8p077y1-Ai6PEOILnaQi4fBMiOZgxxyTzBBS11x8x3VyTGD0ZTzJDMcZeQCVByMSFELGz7DTlxdHesscGXl-Omb4RBDTRuHgmO2nvOGr7tE6Nx8_v4H5F/s1600/P.Kenneth+Burns.jpg" /></a></div>
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P. Kenneth Burns<o:p></o:p></div>
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First I am mentor of P. Kenneth Burns. I have watched his
career and know he is a solid a reporter at WYPR-FM. When I received word he
was <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bal-mayor-ban-wypr-reporter-burns-rawlings-blake-20161012-story.html" target="_blank">banned </a>from Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's briefing in a
conference room, I was stunned. I asked, “Are we talking about P. Kenneth Burns?”
Then I hear the reasons: “He appears threatening; he types loudly; and is rude.”
Then I saw the video of the press conference in question. He presses the Mayor
on asking for additional money to fund the Police Department and asked who was
in control of the police force? She says, "we’ll get back to you later." We later
learned the Police is controlled by the state and the city did ask for a supplemental budget to implement changes in the BPD, which he reported. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been through banning a reporter at the Annapolis
State House. The resolution always makes the accuser look bad. I wrote in open letter
to the Mayor (signed by my colleagues) asking her to rescind the order. I
appeared on radio to talk about this injustice. I also asked for “better angels”
to intercede to correct this wrong. Sadly, Mayor Rawlings-Blake charged the
media with “circling the wagons” to protect Burns. Far from the truth. Truth is
the only currency reporters have and we value it. There were no facts. Burns
spent a two months away from the briefings. He returned with the swearing-in of
Mayor Catherine Pugh. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Burns didn’t stop reporting because of this incident and
that for me makes him the perfect “Person of the Year.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02311878865758304734noreply@blogger.com0